Professor and Head of Department of Data and Systems Engineering

Job Description:

Professor and Head of Department of Data and Systems Engineering

The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Hong Kong invites applications for appointment as Professor and Head of Department of Data and Systems Engineering (Ref.: 534532), to commence as soon as possible. The appointment as Head of Department will be made for an initial term of three years, renewable subject to mutual agreement.

The University

Founded in 1911, the University of Hong Kong has attained its pre-eminence as a research-led comprehensive university by upholding the highest international standards of excellence in its research, scholarship, teaching and learning, and service to the community. The University is consistently ranked amongst the world’s top universities: 11th in QS World University Rankings 2026, 1st in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026 and 33rd in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. In recent years, the University was ranked multiple times as the most international University in the world. There are more than 19,000 undergraduate and 23,000 postgraduate students and more than 9,600 academic, academic-related and administrative staff at the University.

The Faculty

The Faculty of Engineering, one of the founding faculties of HKU, is at the forefront of engineering research and education. It is among the largest faculties at the University, offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degree programmes.

In 2024–25, the Faculty enrolled over 7,500 students (approximately 37% undergraduate and 63% postgraduate) and attracted over HK$2 billion in research funding. The Faculty has more than 230 full-time professoriate and teaching staff, with strong links to industry, government, and international academic partners, and a thriving ecosystem for interdisciplinary innovation.

The Department

The Department of Data and Systems Engineering (DASE) (formerly the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering) currently comprises around 20 core faculty members and serves approximately 200 undergraduate and 600 graduate students.

DASE offers a portfolio of programmes including:

• BEng in Data and Systems Engineering
• MSc(Eng) in Industrial Engineering and Logistics Management
• MSc(Eng) in Robotics and Intelligent Systems
• MPhil and PhD programmes in related areas

In the era of the artificial intelligence and big data revolution, DASE upholds the philosophy of 'computing-in-practice'. Its vision is to bridge the cyber and physical worlds by integrating data science methodologies (including AI and machine learning) with human-centric tools such as robots and intelligent systems to create greater value for humanity. To achieve this goal, DASE focuses on three key and rapidly evolving areas:

1. Data Engineering and Analytics
2. Human-Machine Cooperation
3. Robotics and Automation

DASE is well-positioned for significant growth in research, education, and impact, both within Hong Kong and internationally.

The Role

Reporting to the Dean of Engineering, the Head of DASE will provide strategic, intellectual, and visionary leadership to grow the Department’s research and educational missions, lead the expansion of the Department professoriate and shape the Department’s future, and contribute to the broader advancement of the Faculty of Engineering.

Qualifications and Attributes

Applicants should have:

• A PhD in a relevant field and academic stature appropriate for appointment as Professor or Chair Professor at HKU;
• Distinguished academic credentials, with internationally acclaimed research achievements and scholarly leadership in areas related to the Department’s strengths;
• A proven track record of academic leadership, preferably including prior administrative and management experience;
• Demonstrated commitment to high-quality teaching, student learning, and mentoring, including the development of early-career faculty and researchers;
• Outstanding leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and unite faculty, staff, and students around a shared vision;
• Ability to build strategic partnerships with industry, government, and international academic institutions, and to contribute to resource development and institutional advancement.

Research Environment and Opportunities

Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland offer a particularly rich research funding landscape, with opportunities that far exceed those available in many other countries. Faculty can access competitive funding through research funding agencies, government schemes and collaborative opportunities with local, regional, and international industry partners. The University is also adding major new facilities in the region, providing a world-class infrastructure for cutting-edge research, innovation, and talent development.

Terms and Benefits

A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, together with contract-end gratuity and University contribution to a retirement benefits scheme at 15% of basic salary. Other benefits include annual leave and professional leave, medical benefits, and free access to on-campus gyms and libraries. Housing benefits will be provided as applicable.

Application

The University only accepts online applications for the above post. To ensure full consideration, applicants should apply online and upload: (1) an up-to-date CV with publication list, (2) a letter of interest outlining their experience and vision for research and academic leadership, (3) an outline of their strategic vision as the Head of DASE if appointed. Review of applications will start on August 1, 2026 and continue until the post is filled.