Head of the Division of Integrative Systems and Design (ISD)

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology 

Head of the Division of Integrative Systems and Design (ISD) 

The Division of Integrative Systems and Design (ISD) is an academic unit in the Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies (AIS) in the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). The Division aims to produce high-quality research outputs that address real-world challenges by leveraging the interdisciplinary strengths of its faculty. We are seeking a high-caliber scholar and administrator to lead the Division of Integrative Systems and Design as its Head. 

The Role 

Reporting to the Dean of AIS, the 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 industry, governmental, and non-governmental entities. 

The Candidate 

Applicants should be distinguished scholars with outstanding academic and/or professional accomplishments, consistent with an appointment as Full Professor with tenure or equivalent. Prior administrative experience is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate proven leadership, managerial capabilities, experience in leading collaborative programs, and success in securing external funding from industry and/or government sectors. 

The Division 

Founded in 2017, the Division of Integrative Systems and Design (ISD) aspires to nurture a new generation of innovators who can work across multiple disciplines and create disruptive innovations. The vision of ISD is to 1) provide state-of-the-art project-based experiential learning in design education and 2) be a cradle for nurturing innovators and researchers with a design and system thinking mindset as well as an entrepreneurial spirit. In addition to the current research expertise, ISD is actively seeking to expand in focused areas of marine technology, medical technology and AI for design. 

The Division offers comprehensive teaching and research programs in integrated design and systems thinking, including a BSc, MPhil, and PhD in Integrative Systems and Design, as well as an MSc in Technology Leadership and Entrepreneurship. Additionally, an innovative MPhil in Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship will be launched in 2025-26 to support innovators and entrepreneurs in deep technology. 

The Division provides an excellent home for faculty and students that are multi-disciplinary and inclined strongly to an experiential learning mindset. 

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. 

Since it was founded 33 years ago, HKUST has established a strong presence in global higher education. It 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 located 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. English is the medium of teaching, research, and administration at HKUST. 

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 review. HKUST provides competitive remuneration and generous fringe benefits, including housing where appropriate. HKUST promotes diversity with an inclusive and collaborative community and has a range of family-friendly policies in place. 

The 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 ISD 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: isdhsearch@ust.hk). Review of applications will begin from January 2025 and continue until the position is filled. 

We encourage any potential candidates to visit the ISD webpage at https://isd.hkust.edu.hk to get a better sense of the diverse range of interests and projects of ISD faculty. For more information about the University and the Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies, 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.