Institute Director/ Professor in Synthetic Biology

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Job Title:  Institute Director/ Professor in Synthetic Biology

Department:     Office of the Provost

Job ID:     5663

Job Posting Details

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has identified synthetic biology as a strategically important area.  The University is setting up infrastructure, including the establishment of the Institute for Synthetic Biology, to expand research and education in this important area at both Clear Water Bay (CWB) and Guangzhou (GZ) campuses.  Our vision is to develop technologies and solutions in the era of new bioeconomy to improve human conditions and harness innovations in this field to create a more sustainable economy as well as address the world’s pressing challenges.

We are now conducting a global talent search and are particularly interested in recruiting the Institute Director and senior faculty with distinguished and internationally recognized research track records in leading and coordinating large-scale collaborative projects in synthetic biology.  We are seeking competitive, ambitious and creative candidates applying synthetic biology for fundamental scientific investigation or innovative technology development in thematic applications in biomedicine, health technology, sustainable living, and food.  Applicants with strong research expertise in non-model microorganisms, genome engineering, and data analytics-enabled synthetic biology to accelerate and optimize design-build-test-learn cycle are all welcome.  For a highly qualified well-established scholar, an endowed Chair Professorship at the Institute would be considered.

The successful candidates are expected to teach and actively participate in developing the planned institute and associated programs so they should be highly self-motivated and eager to work in multi-disciplinary settings.  They would have academic appointments with one or two academic units at CWB Campus or GZ Campus.  At CWB Campus, the appointing units could include the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Division of Life Science, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Department of Ocean Science, Department of Chemistry, Department of Physics, etc.  At HKUST(GZ), the appointment would be affiliated in Bioscience and Biomedical Engineering Thrust of the Systems Hub or other units.

About HKUST and HKUST(GZ)

HKUST is a world-renowned research university with over 600 faculty members whose research ranges from science to engineering, business, social sciences and cross disciplines.  Through its commitment to academic excellence, HKUST has developed world-class strengths in many subjects over its short 30-year history.  It is consistently ranked as the top 50 universities in the world.  HKUST ranks 2nd in the World’s Top 50 Young Universities Under 50 in the 2021 QS World University Rankings, 34th worldwide (2nd in Hong Kong) in the 2022 QS World University Rankings, and 23rd worldwide (2nd in Greater China and 1st in Hong Kong) in the 2021 Times Higher Education Global University Employability Ranking.  Located in the beautiful Clear Water Bay, HKUST campus has a magnificent ocean view and is widely known as one of the most beautiful campuses in the world. 

With a strong track record of cultivating high-end talents and nurturing future leaders for academia and industry, HKUST is well positioned to craft an innovative approach to cross-disciplinary education and research in its GZ campus.  Under the “Unified HKUST, Complementary Campuses” framework, HKUST(GZ), conveniently situated in Nansha, is scheduled to open in the fall of 2022, hosting 4 transdisciplinary hubs (equivalent to schools) and 16 thrusts (equivalent to departments) to achieve maximum synergy in education and research.  With the same standard and same diploma as HKUST, HKUST(GZ) will have 800 faculty members and 10,000 students in the steady phase.

Additional information about HKUST and HKUST(GZ) are available respectively at https://hkust.edu.hk/ and https://hkust-gz.edu.cn/

Startup fund and starting salary are highly competitive of international standard.  Depending on qualification and experience, starting salary is generally comparable or even higher than the average starting salaries in Tier I research universities in the United States.  The University offers generous retirement and medical/dental benefits, in addition to sabbatical leave and campus housing benefits.  HKUST is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty and has a range of family-friendly policies in place.

Application Procedure

Applicants should have an earned PhD degree in a related field.  Interested candidates are invited to upload a cover letter, a full curriculum vitae, and statements of research and teaching via this link: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/20894.

For enquiries, please send to synbiohire@ust.hk.  Review of applications will start immediately and will continue until all the positions are filled.  We thank applicants for their interest.  Please be advised that only shortlisted candidates will be notified of the result of the application.

(Information provided by applicants will be used for recruitment and other employment-related purposes only.)

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