Professor and Head of Department of Mechanical Engineering
The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Hong Kong invites applications for appointment as Professor and Head of Department of Mechanical Engineering (Ref.: 537831). The appointment as Head of Department will be made for an initial term of three years, tenable from June 1, 2028, renewable subject to mutual agreement.
The University
Founded in 1911, the University of Hong Kong has attained its pre-eminence as a research-led comprehensive university by upholding the highest international standards of excellence in its research, scholarship, teaching and learning, and service to the community. The University is consistently ranked amongst the world’s top universities: 11th in QS World University Rankings 2027, 1st in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026 and 33rd in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. In recent years, the University was ranked multiple times as the most international University in the world. There are 45,303 undergraduate and postgraduate students from 104 countries and regions, and more than 10,000 academic, academic-related and administrative staff at the University.
The Faculty
The Faculty of Engineering, one of the founding faculties of HKU, is at the forefront of engineering research and education. It is among the largest faculties at the University, offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degree programmes.
In 2025-26, the Faculty enrolled over 5,500 students (approximately 36% undergraduate and 64% postgraduate) and attracted over HK$831 million in research funding. The Faculty has more than 210 full-time professoriate and teaching staff, with strong links to industry, government, and international academic partners, and a thriving ecosystem for interdisciplinary innovation.
The Department
The Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) currently comprises around 35 core faculty members and serves approximately 545 undergraduate and 1,200 postgraduate students.
ME offers a portfolio of programmes including:
- BEng in Mechanical Engineering
- MPhil in Mechanical Engineering
- PhD in Mechanical Engineering
- MSc(Eng) in Innovative Design and Technology (IDT)
- MSc(Eng) in Low-Altitude Technology (LAT)
- MSc(Eng) in Mechanical Engineering (ME)
- MSc(Eng) in Microelectronics Science and Technology (MEST)
- MSc(Eng) in Sustainability Engineering (SE)
In the era of physical AI, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and sustainability challenges, ME upholds the philosophy of ‘engineering for impact’. It is a globally recognized leader in mechanical engineering known for its excellence in research, education, and community impact, and for cultivating exceptional talent among its faculty, students, and staff.
To advance this vision, the Department has established four strategic pillars for development:
- Robotics;
- Environment and Sustainability;
- Low-Altitude Technology (LAT) and Aerospace; and
- Ocean Engineering.
While Robotics and Environment and Sustainability build on the Department’s established strengths, LAT/Aerospace and Ocean Engineering are newly developed strategic areas that have already begun to generate significant impact and continue to gain momentum.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering is well positioned for significant growth in research, education, and impact in Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and internationally.
The Role
Reporting to the Dean of Engineering, the Head of ME will provide strategic, intellectual, and visionary leadership and management to grow the Department’s research and educational missions, lead the expansion of the Department’s professoriate and shape the Department’s future, and contribute to the broader advancement of the Faculty of Engineering.
Qualifications and Attributes
Applicants should have:
- A PhD in a relevant field and academic stature appropriate for appointment as Professor or Chair Professor at HKU;
- Distinguished academic credentials, with internationally acclaimed research achievements and scholarly leadership in areas related to the Department’s strengths;
- A proven track record of academic leadership, preferably including prior administrative and management experience;
- Demonstrated commitment to high-quality education (teaching, student learning, and mentoring) and the cultivation of early-career faculty and researchers;
- Outstanding leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and unite faculty, staff, and students around a shared vision;
- Ability to build strategic partnerships with industry, government, and international academic institutions, and to contribute to resource development and institutional advancement.
Research Environment and Opportunities
Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland offer a particularly rich research funding landscape, with opportunities that far exceed those available in many other countries. Faculty can access competitive funding through research funding agencies, government schemes and collaborative opportunities with local, regional, and international industry partners. The University is also adding major new facilities in the region, providing a world-class infrastructure for cutting-edge research, innovation, and talent development.
Terms and Benefits
A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, together with contract-end gratuity and University contribution to a retirement benefits scheme at 15% of basic salary. Other benefits include annual leave and professional leave, medical benefits, and free access to on-campus gyms and libraries. Housing benefits will be provided as applicable.
Application
The University only accepts online applications for the above post. To ensure full consideration, applicants should apply online and upload: (1) an up-to-date CV with publication list, (2) a letter of interest outlining their experience and vision for research and academic leadership, and (3) an outline of their strategic vision as the Head of ME if appointed. Review of applications will start on January 22, 2027 and continue until July 21, 2027 or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier.
