THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE

Head of Department of Architecture (Ref. 251014008-IE)

With over 85 years of rich heritage, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has evolved alongside society and made pivotal contributions to the development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (HKSAR), the Nation and the world. The University pursues world-class excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer to nurture socially responsible leaders and professionals, as well as to drive impactful research and innovation. PolyU will strive to continually excel as an innovative world-class university that makes a positive impact on society, living up to the University’s motto: “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind”.

Ranked among the top 100 universities globally by well-known ranking organisations such as Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), Times Higher Education (THE) and U.S. News & World Report, PolyU offers a wide range of world-class educational and research programmes in seven faculties and three independent schools. PolyU has furthermore achieved commendable results in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 – it is ranked in the global top 30 for seven subjects, is first in Hong Kong for three subjects, and is in the global top 100 for 26 subjects.  For further details about the University, please visit PolyU’s website at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/.

Department of Architecture

PolyU is going to establish the Department of Architecture (ARCH) under the Faculty of Construction and Environment (FCE) with effect from 1 July 2026.  FCE is globally renowned for its excellence in Architecture & Built Environment and Civil & Structural Engineering, both ranked 17th worldwide by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS Subject Ranking) in 2025. As a new dynamic hub for architectural innovation, ARCH aims to consolidate FCE’s academic strengths, drive innovative education and research, attract global talent, and elevate both the Faculty’s and PolyU’s international standing in architecture and advanced technologies.  The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping the Department’s vision, building a strong academic team to achieve transformative impact in AI-enhanced and big data driven architectural education and research.

The University is now inviting applications and nominations for the post of Head of Department of Architecture.  The successful candidate will be appointed Chair Professor/Professor normally on regular terms of appointment (equivalent to tenured professorship), commensurate with his/her qualifications and experience, and will hold a concurrent headship appointment.  The concurrent headship appointment is normally for an aggregate period of six years in two three-year terms of office.  Other suitable candidate(s) from the search, if deemed appropriate by the University, may be appointed Chair Professor/Professor if not Head of Department. 

HKSAR is an international city located strategically at the heart of Asia and is the gateway to Chinese Mainland, with excellent transport links to major international cities. 

Job Functions

The position calls for a visionary academic leader with responsibilities of ensuring the smooth and successful operation and sustainable development of the Department.  Reporting directly to the Dean of Faculty of Construction and Environment, the appointee will be required to:

(a)    provide effective leadership in the development of long-term strategies and plans of the Department, in alignment with the University’s Strategic Plan, particularly focusing on AI-based and data-driven approaches to enhance architectural practices; and coach and empower subordinates so that they can accomplish planned objectives with world-class standards and in an effective and efficient manner;

(b)    ensure high-quality teaching as well as holistic development of the students, integrating AI/engineering technology into the Department’s academic programmes to meet community needs and industry standards;

(c)    facilitate the conduct of innovative and original research of high quality and impact, and promote and develop genuine interdisciplinary research with the optimal use of research funds;

(d)    provide leadership in technology development, commercialisation and entrepreneurship initiatives to extend the impact of research outcomes of the University to the community;

(e)    provide leadership in developing a strong network of partnership with leading tertiary institutions for opportunities and collaboration in education, research and knowledge transfer activities; 

(f)     enhance the local and international partnerships with the community, particularly the professional, public and business sectors, so as to gain their support for the major strategic initiatives of the University;

(g)    ensure effective internal communication that leads to a transparent decision-making process and promote the Department’s strengths and other services to all relevant stakeholders;

(h)    ensure optimal deployment of human, financial and other resources in the Department;

(i)     implement an effective mechanism to acquire donations and other forms of sponsorship to support the University’s pursuits and long-term development; and

(j)     undertake other duties as assigned by the Dean of Faculty or the Central Management Team of the University as required.

Qualifications

Applicants should have:

(a)    academic qualifications at the doctoral level in a relevant academic discipline, evidence of eminent scholarship and substantial relevant experience in a senior academic position, with relevant professional qualification and registration where appropriate; 

(b)    attainment of an academic rank of full professor or above at an internationally recognised university;

(c)    a distinguished global reputation in research and scholarship, and demonstrated international leadership in Architecture / Architectural Engineering and/or closely related disciplines;

(d)    a strong record in attracting competitive research funding and collaborating with industry;

(e)    a demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching;

(f)     a global perspective, proven qualities of academic leadership and substantial administration / management experience, as well as the demonstrated ability of building up a strong team of faculty members with different research and cultural backgrounds;

(g)    effective interpersonal communication and resource management skills, and excellent adaptability to changes and challenges;

(h)    good knowledge of the higher educational environment in the local and global context; and

(i)     a high standard of personal integrity.

Experience in fundraising will be an additional advantage.

Conditions of Service

Terms of appointment and remuneration package are negotiable and highly competitive.  For general information on terms and conditions for appointment of academic staff in the University, please visit the website at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/docdrive/careers/doc/Prof.pdf.

Application and Nomination

The University invites applications and nominations for this appointment.  Please submit an application through PolyU’s career website (https://jobs.polyu.edu.hk/deans_heads).  Candidature may also be recommended by nominations via email to the Chairman of the Search Committee for recruitment of Head of Department of Architecture at hrscarch@polyu.edu.hk.  Consideration of applications and nominations will commence on 30 November 2025 until the position is filled.  General information about the University is available at https://www.polyu.edu.hk or from the Human Resources Office [Tel: (852) 2766 5041].  The University’s Personal Information Collection Statement for recruitment can be found at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/careers/pics_for_recruitment.

PolyU is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to fostering an environment that embraces diversity and demonstrates inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and experiences where all members of the University are treated with fairness, dignity and respect.  To learn more about the University’s “Statement on Equal Opportunities, Diversity, and Inclusion”, please visit our website at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/equal_opportunities_diversity_and_inclusion/.