THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY

OFFICE OF FACULTY OF COMPUTER AND MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES

Post Specification

Founding Dean of Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences

To propel PolyU to global leadership in the AI era, the University has newly established the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences (FCMS). This strategic initiative synthesizes the foundational power of mathematics with the transformative potential of computing and artificial intelligence, creating an interdisciplinary powerhouse for the future.

FCMS currently comprises three academic units: the Department of Applied Mathematics, Department of Computing, and Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and is positioned for significant growth, including the potential for future establishment of additional units. The Faculty has the ambition, resources and support to achieve global prominence and impact through pioneering research, teaching and knowledge transfer.

We are now seeking a visionary leader with an outstanding record of research achievement and academic leadership to serve as the Founding Dean of FCMS. This individual will have the opportunity to serve as the architect for this exceptional Faculty, shaping its culture, direction and growth trajectory to become a world-leading hub for interdisciplinary discovery, innovation and education. The Dean will also catalyze PolyU’s broader digital transformation, forging critical links across disciplines and with industry to create impact for Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world.

The successful candidate will be appointed as a Chair Professor, normally on regular tenured terms in one of the constituent Departments and will concurrently serve as the Founding Dean. The Deanship appointment is normally for an aggregate period of six years in two three-year terms of office. Further extension is possible subject to performance and mutual agreement.

Job Functions

Reporting directly to the Deputy President and Provost, the Dean will be committed to providing strategic direction and academic leadership for all aspects of the Faculty’s development, with core responsibilities as follows:

a) provide a forward-looking vision and effective leadership for the Faculty through proactive strategic planning, innovative strategies, collaborative teamwork and extensive engagement with stakeholders;

b) foster innovative and original research across discipline, department or faculty boundaries through appropriate mechanism and incentives;

c) secure and manage resources efficiently to drive excellence in research, education and knowledge transfer;

d) ensure high-quality teaching and holistic development of students while aligning undergraduate and postgraduate programmes with evolving societal needs; 

e) facilitate the translation of discoveries into real-world impact through robust knowledge and technology transfer;

f) develop and expand partnerships with local and global academic, industry and community organizations for strategic collaborations;

g) stimulate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship to support new initiatives; and

h) undertake any other responsibilities as assigned by the Deputy President and Provost or the Central Management Team of the University.

Qualifications

Applicants should have:

a) a world-class academic profile with strong AI background, preferably with a computer science foundation, as evidenced by outstanding research and international recognition;

b) extensive and distinguished senior leadership experience, coupled with clear strategic vision and a proven track record of driving positive change and advancing excellence in both research and education;

c) the ability to promote interdisciplinary collaborations to contribute to the digital transformation of the University’s educational and research missions;

d) the capacity to develop and sustain productive global networks for enhancing the internationalization of the Faculty’s educational and research activities and attracting top-tier talents;

e) an open mindset with exceptional communication, interpersonal and resource management skills to foster an inclusive, high-performing institutional culture while serving as a key strategic partner to the Central Management Team;

f) an unwavering commitment to the highest standards of ethics, transparency, and fairness in all aspects of decision-making; and

g) substantial knowledge of the higher education landscape, including key trends, challenges and opportunities in the local, regional and global contexts.

Conditions of Service

Terms of appointment and remuneration package are internationally competitive. For general information on terms and conditions for appointment of academic staff in the University, please visit the University’s website.

Application and Nomination

Completed applications should be uploaded via this page, and the reference number for this role is 8303. Consideration of applications and nominations will commence on 15 April 2026 until the position is filled. All enquiries, applications and nominations will be treated in strict confidence. The University reserves the right not to fill the position or to make an appointment by invitation. The University’s Personal Information Collection Statement for Recruitment can be found at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/careers/pics_for_recruitment.

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