Founding Head of the Division of Arts and Machine Creativity

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) established the Division of Arts ad Machine Creativity (AMC) in July 2024 under the Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies (AIS), the fifth school of HKUST. As an interdisciplinary academic unit, AMC aims to be a leading center where technology, art, and humanities converge to drive creativity and innovation. We are seeking a high-caliber academic administrator to lead this new Division as the Founding Head. 

The Role 

Reporting to the Dean of AIS, the Founding Head will provide leadership and manage the Division's academic and administrative functions. Key responsibilities include advancing interdisciplinary teaching and research, faculty recruitment, and resource management. The Head will also develop strategies to promote the Division and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration within HKUST and externally with arts organizations, as well as private, governmental, and non-governmental entities. 

The Candidate 

Applicants should be distinguished scholars or artists with outstanding academic and/or professional accomplishments, consistent with an appointment as Full Professor with tenure or equivalent. While a background in the arts is preferred, expertise in art technology and other related areas will be considered. Prior administrative experience is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate proven leadership, managerial capabilities, experience in leading collaborative programs, and success in securing external funding. The ability to engage effectively with arts organizations, government, industry, and commercial sectors is advantageous. 

The Division 

The Division of Arts and Machine Creativity (AMC) is an interdisciplinary academic unit envisioned as a pioneering center where technology, art, and humanities drive creativity and innovation. This initiative fosters a fusion of innovation and humanities, supporting HKUST’s Strategic Plan 2031 as a major effort to expand academic frontiers through, aiming to lead positive changes in education and research, and empower the next generation to address global challenges. 

The mission of the Division includes:

• Bridging the gap between technology and art, by providing students and researchers with professional education and robust environment.
• Cultivating artistic and creative talents equipped with the skills and knowledge to leverage emerging technologies such as AI and machine learning.
• Fostering a cross-disciplinary environment that empowers collaboration and innovation among artists and technologists.
• Developing cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research and education programs in partnership with other institutions in the fields of arts and machine learning 

AMC’s focus areas include: (a) digital art practice (including visual, sound, performing, installation, cinematic arts); (b) machine creativity; (c) art management covering managerial, legal, and business topics related to AI arts, NFT, etc.; and (d) critical studies examining art history, media theory, and philosophy of technology in the context of arts and machine creativity. The Division will offer graduate degree programs, including MA and MFA programs, as well as MPhil/PhD programs. It will also provide common core courses for all undergraduates at HKUST, and potentially undergraduate programs in future. The Division will collaborate with the Computational Media and Arts Thrust of HKUST(GZ) to advance scientific research in artificial intelligence in generative creativity and machine creativity. 

The University

Founded in 1991, HKUST is a world-renowned international research university dedicated to the advancement of learning, research, scholarship, and the education of a new generation of elite students through top-tier programs in science, engineering, business & management, humanities & social science, and interdisciplinary studies. 

HKUST is deeply committed to advancing humanities and arts education and research. The School of Humanities and Social Science offers diverse music and creative writing courses led by distinguished artists and active practitioners. Courses include “Music of the World”, “Introduction to Music Composition”, and “Chinese Creative Writing”, fostering creativity and collaboration. Additionally, film courses like “Independent Cinema in Contemporary China” are offered, broadening students' artistic perspectives. 

Since it was founded 33 years ago, HKUST has already established a strong presence in global higher education and received a number of international recognitions. Among others, HKUST was ranked No.3 in the Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2024, 12 of its subjects were ranked among the world’s top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024. While the University is deeply rooted in Hong Kong, HKUST (GZ) in Guangzhou, Mainland China complements the well-established disciplinary foundation at the Hong Kong campus with 4 transdisciplinary hubs and 16 thrust areas. We are dedicated to educating well-rounded students with strong entrepreneurial spirits and innovative and globally oriented thinking. English is the medium of teaching, research, and administration at HKUST. HKUST promotes diversity with an inclusive and collaborative community and the use of modern instructional methods.

Terms & Applications

The appointment will be concurrent with a substantive professorial appointment. The headship will be a full-time appointment for an initial term of three years, and renewable for another term, subject to further review. HKUST provides competitive remuneration and generous fringe benefits, including housing where appropriate. 

Application, including a curriculum vitae, a vision statement, as well as names and email addresses of at least three referees, should be sent to the AMC Head Search Committee (c/o Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies), the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clearwater Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong (or by email: amcdhsearch@ust.hk). Review of applications will begin fromearly December 2024 and continue until the position is filled. 

For more information about the University, the Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies and the AMC Division, please visit https://hkust.edu.hk/ and https://ais.hkust.edu.hk/ respectively. 

(Information provided by applicants will be used for recruitment and other employment-related purposes. Applicants should read the Personal Information Collection Statement (https://hro.hkust.edu.hk/rcpics) before submission of application.) 

HKUST is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to our core values of inclusiveness, diversity, and respect.