Photonics Research Institute
Director of Photonics Research Institute
(Ref. 261110002-IE)
[on a concurrent basis and normally for a fixed term]
Photonics Research Institute (PRI) was established in 2021 and is one of the constituent research units under the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). PRI aspires to be a leading institute worldwide in advancing fundamental knowledge and applications of photonics in various science and engineering disciplines. The mission of PRI is to pursue impactful multidisciplinary research for the benefit of Hong Kong, China and the world, and to foster a university photonic research community in which members can interact to generate new ideas and applications. PRI’s current research directions range from photonic materials and fundamental science, photonic devices, photonic sensing, laser spectroscopy, and photonics and information communications technology. For more information about PAIR and PRI, please visit the websites at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/pair/ and https://www.polyu.edu.hk/pri/ respectively.
The University is now inviting applications and nominations for the post of the Director of PRI. The successful candidate will be appointed Chair Professor/Professor normally on regular terms of appointment (equivalent to tenured professorship), commensurate with his/her qualifications and experience, and will hold the concurrent directorship appointment. The concurrent directorship appointment is usually for a term of three years on a renewable basis.
Job Functions
The position calls for a visionary academic leader with responsibilities of ensuring the smooth and successful operation and sustainable development of the Research Institute. Reporting to both the Head of the home Unit(s) and the Director of PAIR, the appointee will be required to:
- provide effective leadership in the development of long-term strategies and plans of PRI, in alignment with PAIR’s and the University’s Strategic Plan, and to distinguish PRI’s research from that of other sister research institutes and centres under PAIR;
- facilitate the conduct of innovative and original research of high quality and impact, and promote and develop genuine interdisciplinary research with the optimal use of research funds;
- ensure high-quality teaching as well as holistic development of the students, and align the programmes of the home Unit(s) with the needs of the community;
- provide leadership in technology development, commercialisation and entrepreneurship initiatives to extend the impact of research outcomes of the University to the community;
- provide leadership in developing a strong network of partnership with leading tertiary institutions for opportunities and collaboration in research and knowledge transfer activities;
- enhance the local and international networks of partnerships and linkages with the community, particularly the professional, public and business sectors, so as to gain their support for the major strategic initiatives of PAIR and the University;
- ensure optimal deployment of human, financial and other resources in PRI;
- implement an effective mechanism to acquire external research funding, donations and other forms of sponsorship to support the University’s pursuits and long-term development; and
- undertake other duties as assigned by the Head of home Unit(s), the Director of PAIR or the Central Management Team of the University from time to time.
Qualifications
Applicants should have:
- academic qualifications at the doctoral level in a relevant academic discipline, evidence of eminent scholarship and substantial relevant experience in a senior academic position, and relevant professional qualification and registration where appropriate;
- attainment of an academic rank of full professor or above at an internationally leading university;
- demonstrated capability and track records in leading and managing interdisciplinary research and collaboration, and demonstrated international leadership in the relevant specialist areas;
- a strong record in attracting research funding and demonstrated excellence in high quality research outputs;
- a distinguished reputation as a world-leading researcher, with a strong commitment to impactful research to address societal challenges;
- a demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching;
- excellent local, regional and/or global networks with universities and research institutions as well as the industry, business and government;
- excellent interpersonal and presentation skills for effective engagement with different stakeholders both internally and externally; and
- good knowledge of the higher educational environment in the local and global context.
Experience in fund-raising will be an additional advantage.
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 at https://s3.ap-northeast-2.amazonaws.com/jobs.ac.kr/jobs/prd/1982210/Prof.pdf.
Application and Nomination
The University invites applications and nominations for this appointment. Please submit an application together with a detailed CV and a directorship statement through PolyU’s career website by clicking the “Apply Now” button below. In the CV, please indicate the academic Unit(s) to be affiliated as the home Unit(s) of the Chair Professorship/Professorship appointment. Information of the University’s academic Unit(s) is available at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/education/faculties-schools-departments/. Candidature may also be recommended by nominations via email to the Chairman of the Search Committee for recruitment of Director of Photonics Research Institute at hrscpri@polyu.edu.hk. General information about the University is available at https://www.polyu.edu.hk or from the Human Resources Office [Tel: (852) 2766 5007].
Consideration of applications and nominations will commence on 1 December 2026 until the position is filled.
Posting date: 10 November 2026
