Director of PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (Ref. 21012105-IE)

POLYU ACADEMY FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH

Director of PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (Ref. 21012105-IE)

Job Functions

Reporting to Vice President (Research and Innovation), the appointee will provide overall leadership to the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR), a newly-created platform to drive the vision of the University to be a world-leader in providing interdisciplinary solutions to address major societal challenges through advanced research and knowledge transfer activities. The appointee will be required to:

(a) promote, lead and support the University’s interdisciplinary research to address major societal challenges;

(b) enhance the visibility and reputation of the University as a world-leader in its strategic focus areas through impactful collaborative activities in research and knowledge transfer;

(c) formulate and implement strategies relating to the promotion and development of Research Institutes (RIs) in the University;

(d) oversee the operations and monitor performance of RIs and other constituent research units (CRUs) of PAIR and work closely with a number of affiliated research units, including the State Key Laboratories and the Hong Kong Branches of Chinese National Engineering Research Centres to facilitate exchanges and collaboration among these institutes and units;

(e) serve as the host for distinguished visiting researchers from around the world, including PolyU’s Chair Professors under the Distinguished Chair Professor Scheme;

(f) coordinate and support the organization of major scholarly activities in the University, both within and beyond the RIs and CRUs;

(g) consider/advise on applications for university funding earmarked for inter-disciplinary research from Faculties/Schools and Departments, and approve funding allocations channeled through PAIR, as appropriate; and

(h) perform any other duties as assigned by Vice President (Research and Innovation) or his/her delegate(s) or the Central Management of the University.

The successful candidate will be appointed Chair Professor normally on regular terms and hold a concurrent directorship appointment which is usually for a renewable three-year term. The appointee is expected to resume his/her substantive position at the end of the directorship appointment.
 
Qualifications

Applicants should be a visionary and inspiring leader with a strong drive for excellent performance and have:

(a) outstanding academic qualifications at Chair Professor level with evidence of eminent scholarship;

(b) demonstrated capability and distinguished track records in leading and managing interdisciplinary research and collaboration, with solid experience acquired in a senior capacity within a world-leading university setting;

(c) a distinguished reputation as a world-leading researcher, with a strong commitment to impactful research to address societal challenges;

(d) a very strong record in attracting research funding and demonstrated excellence in high quality research outputs;

(e) substantial knowledge of the higher education environment in the local, regional and/or global contexts;

(f) excellent local, regional and/or global networks with universities and research institutions as well as the industry, business and government;

(g) excellent interpersonal and presentation skills for effective engagement with different stakeholders both internally and externally; and

(h) an excellent command of both written and spoken English and preferably Chinese, with fluency in Putonghua being an advantage.