Professor and Inaugural Director of the new School of Biomedical Engineering
We invite applications for the position of Professor and Inaugural Director of the new School of Biomedical Engineering at The University of Hong Kong. We are seeking a distinguished and visionary leader with a strong commitment to research, teaching, public outreach, and to the cultivation of strategic partnerships. This is a prestigious leadership position in which the successful candidate will shape the development of the School into a world-class center for research and education in biomedical engineering. he successful candidate will demonstrate a world-leading track record of research in biomedical engineering and articulate an inspiring vision of the grand challenges in the field, worthy of appointment with the Chair Professor title.
The University
Founded in 1911, The University of Hong Kong (‘HKU”) has attained international pre-eminence as a prestigious research-led comprehensive university, comprising more than 39,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students and more than 13,000 academic, teaching and research, and administrative staff. HKU upholds the highest international standards of excellence in its research pursuits, scholarship, teaching and learning, and service to the community; and HKU is consistently ranked amongst the world’s top universities: 17th under QS World University Rankings 2025, and 2nd under QS Asia University Rankings 2025; and Times Higher Education 2023 ranked HKU as the world’s most international university. More information at https://hku.hk/.
School of Biomedical Engineering
The School of Biomedical Engineering (“SBME”) is a new endeavour of the University. It is a joint project of the Faculties of Engineering, Medicine, Dentistry and Science, and aspires to be a global nexus for interdisciplinary collaboration across engineering, clinical sciences and biomedical sciences. It aims to transform healthcare practice by advancing the frontier in medical instrumentation, biomaterials, diagnostic and therapeutic devices, robotics, AI-augmentation, and other groundbreaking technologies. It is committed to developing innovative and high-quality academic programmes at all levels, suitable for nurturing the next generation of biomedical engineering professionals.
The Role
The Inaugural Director of SBME is expected to:
- Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to the School, ensuring that it aligns with the academic missions of HKU and the participating Faculties.
- Ensure the development of and adherence to the highest international standards in research and teaching.
- Foster interdisciplinary collaborations for developing biomedical engineering innovations that translate into major changes in clinical practice.
- Recruit world-class talents in biomedical engineering and build and mentor a critical mass of top researchers across all levels.
- Lead an active research group and facilitate cutting-edge research and collaborations within the biomedical engineering field both at HKU and with local and international partners.
- Oversee the development and continuous improvement of undergraduate and graduate biomedical engineering programs to ensure they meet the highest international standards.
- Secure public and private research funds and drive the commercialization of research through techno-entrepreneurship and spin-off companies.
- Enhance global connections and align with international standards in the biomedical engineering field.
Qualifications and Qualities
Qualified candidates should possess the following:
- PhD and/or MD degree in Biomedical Engineering, or in STEM-related fields.
- Distinguished record of academic achievements and international recognition in research, scholarship and teaching.
- Proven record of visionary leadership and broad high-level administrative experience, preferably in a prominent research institution.
- Demonstrated ability to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and drive innovation in research and teaching.
- Strong international network and experience in securing research funding, with a successful track record in institutional fundraising and enhancing international visibility.
- Commitment to and track record in advancing health and well-being through innovative biomedical engineering solutions.
Compensation and Benefits
A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered alongside annual leave and medical benefits. The appointment will attract University contributions to a retirement benefits scheme, totaling up to 15% of basic salary. Housing benefits will be provided as applicable.
Application
Review of applications will start as soon as possible and continue until August 31, 2025, or until the position is filled, whichever is earlier. To ensure full consideration please submit your application online at the University's career site (http://jobs.hku.hk), including: (1) a CV with publication list, (2) a cover letter, (3) an outline of your strategic vision as the Director of SBME.
The University of Hong Kong is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to equality, ethics, inclusivity, diversity and transparency.