Faculty of Humanities
Joseph Needham Professorship in Science and Civilisation
(Ref. 250603011)
The Faculty of Humanities at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is dedicated to creating synergies among language, communication, history, culture, and technology in education and research, highlighting both the discovery and the transfer of knowledge. It is a leading tertiary education provider in Greater China and Asia in the fields of language science, language technology, Chinese-English bilingual studies and translation, intercultural communication, and cultural and historical studies of China. It is also exceling in areas such as speech therapy, language neuroscience, AI-empowered methodologies and modelling, and healthcare communication. It consists of three academic departments, namely the Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies, the Department of Chinese History and Culture and the Department of English and Communication. The appointee will be appointed as Chair Professor in one of the academic units under the Faculty of Humanities. Please visit the website at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/fh for more information about the Faculty.
Duties
The position calls for a visionary academic leader to advance the strategic and sustainable development of the Faculty in Science and Civilisation. The successful candidate will combine world-class scholarship with exceptional leadership to shape the future of these disciplines. The appointee will be required to:
(a) provide leadership in long-term strategic planning that aligns with the University’s goals;
(b) provide leadership in strengthening local and international partnerships to advance research and education goals;
(c) develop scholarly initiatives by fostering collaboration, securing external funding, and enhancing innovative, high-impact interdisciplinary research;
(d) mentor junior faculty in teaching, research and service excellence;
(e) teach and develop curricula in science and civilisation, including Chinese science and technology history, at undergraduate and postgraduate levels;
(f) supervise postgraduate students actively and provide guidance on their research and career development;
(g) provide active service to committee work at all levels in the Faculty and the University as well as to the scholarly community;
(h) provide administrative support and advice for academic and Faculty/department affairs; and
(i) perform any other duties as assigned by the Head of Department or his/her delegates.
Qualifications
Applicants should have:
(a) a PhD degree in a relevant discipline, evidence of eminent scholarship and substantial relevant experience in a senior academic position, and relevant professional qualifications where appropriate;
(b) attainment of an academic rank of full professor or above at an internationally reputable university;
(c) a global perspective, proven track record of academic leadership, and a distinguished international reputation in research and scholarship;
(d) a strong record in attracting and managing competitive research funding;
(e) a strong potential to develop local and international networks of partnerships and linkages with the community, for both professional and public sectors;
(f) a strong commitment to excellence in teaching and learning with substantial relevant teaching experiences;
(g) proven academic leadership and ability to foster collaboration with colleagues in teaching, intellectual contributions, and service activities to bring visibility, prestige and reputation to the University; and
(h) an excellent command of both English and Chinese.
Conditions of Service
Terms of appointment and remuneration package are negotiable and highly competitive. For general information on terms and conditions for appointment of academic staff in the University, please visit the website https://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/docdrive/careers/doc/Prof.pdf
Application and Nomination
The University invites applications and nominations for this appointment. Please submit an application by clicking the “Apply Now” button below. Candidature may also be recommended by nominations via email to fh.search@polyu.edu.hk. General information about the University is available at https://www.polyu.edu.hk or from the Human Resources Office [Tel: (852) 3400 3544].
Consideration of applications and nominations will commence on 1 August 2025 until the position is filled.
Posting date: 3 June 2025