Head of Department of Food Science and Nutrition

THEHONGKONGPOLYTECHNICUNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF FOODSCIENCEANDNUTRITION

Head of Department of Food Science and Nutrition (Ref. 230105001)

With 85 years of rich heritage, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has evolved alongside our society and made pivotal contributions to the development of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. The University pursues world-class excellence in education and research to nurture professional talents, leaders and entrepreneurs, and impactful scholars and innovators. PolyU strives to advance knowledge and address societal challenges, living up to the University’s motto of “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind”.

Ranking among the top 100 universities globally by both the Times Higher Education (THE) and Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings, PolyU offers a wide range of world-class educational and research programmes in six faculties and three independent schools. PolyU has furthermore achieved remarkable results in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022 – it was placed among the top 20 universities in four disciplines, with three of them ranking 1st in Hong Kong. In the newly released metrics compiled by Stanford University, more than 200 PolyU scholars ranked among the world’s top 2% most-cited scientists, the 2nd highest number in Hong Kong. 

For further details about the University, please visit PolyU’s website at http://www.polyu.edu.hk/ .

Department of Food Science and Nutrition

The Department of Food Science and Nutrition is a multi-disciplinary department newly established from 1 January 2023 under the Faculty of Science. With the unique standing in Hong Kong and the commitment to quality teaching, research excellence and knowledge transfer, the Department is envisioned to develop all-rounded graduates with professional qualifications, and promote interdisciplinary research with positive societal impacts. The Department’s key research pillars are Food Safety, Food Technology, Human Nutrition and Chinese Medicine. Currently, there are about 19 academic and teaching staff and 10 Research Assistant Professors in the Department. Please visit the website at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/fsn/ for more information about the Department.

The University is now inviting applications and nominations for the post of Head of Department of Food Science and Nutrition. The successful candidate will be appointed as Chair Professor/Professor normally on regular terms of appointment (equivalent to tenured professorship), commensurate with his/her qualifications and experience, and will hold a concurrent headship appointment. The concurrent headship appointment is normally for an aggregate period of six years in two three-year terms of office. Other suitable candidate(s) from the search, if deemed appropriate by the University, may be appointed as Chair Professor/Professor if not as Head of Department. 

Job Functions

The position calls for a visionary academic leader with responsibilities of ensuring the smooth and successful operation and sustainable development of the Department. Reporting directly to the Dean of Faculty of Science, the appointee will be required to:

( a ) provide effective leadership in the development of long-term strategies and plans of the Department in alignment with the University’s Strategic Plan; and coach and empower subordinates so that they can accomplish planned objectives with world-class standards and in an effective and efficient manner;

( b ) ensure high-quality teaching as well as holistic development of the students, and align the Department’s programmes with the needs of the community;

( c ) facilitate the conduct of innovative and original research of high quality and impact, and promote and develop genuine cross-disciplinary / departmental research with the optimal use of research funds;

( d ) provide leadership in technology development, commercialisation and entrepreneurship initiatives to extend the impact of research outcomes of the University to the community;

( e ) provide leadership in developing a strong network of partnership with leading institutions for opportunities and collaboration in education, research and knowledge transfer activities;

( f )  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 the University;

( g ) ensure effective internal communication that leads to a transparent decision-making process and promote the Department’s strengths and other services to all relevant stakeholders;

( h ) ensure optimal deployment of human, financial and other resources in the Department;

( i )  implement an effective mechanism to acquire donations and other forms of sponsorship to support the University’s pursuits and long-term development; and

( j )  undertake other duties as assigned by the Dean of Faculty or the Central Management Team of the University from time to time.

Qualifications

Applicants should have:

( a ) academic qualifications at the doctoral level in a relevant academic discipline, evidence of eminent scholarship, substantial relevant experience in a senior academic position, and relevant professional qualification where appropriate;

( b ) attainment of an academic rank of full professor or above at an internationally recognised university;

( c ) a distinguished international reputation in research and scholarship, and demonstrated international leadership in one or more domains of the Department’s research strengths;

( d ) a strong record in attracting competitive research funding;

( e ) a demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching;

( f )  a global perspective, proven qualities of academic leadership and substantial administration / management experience, as well as the demonstrated ability of building up a strong team of faculty members with different research and cultural backgrounds;

( g ) effective interpersonal communication and resources management skills, and excellent adaptability to changes and challenges;

( h ) good knowledge of the higher educational environment in the local and global context; and

( i )  a high standard of personal integrity.

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://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 through PolyU’s career website (https://jobs.polyu.edu.hk/deans_heads ). Candidature may also be obtained by nominations via email to the Chairman of the Search Committee for recruitment of Head of Department of Food Science and Nutrition at [email protected] .  Consideration of applications and nominations will commence on 31 January 2023 until the position is filled.  General information about the University is available at http://www.polyu.edu.hk or from the Human Resources Office [Tel: (852) 2766 5303]. The University’s Personal Information Collection Statement for recruitment can be found at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/careers/pics_for_recruitment .

PolyU is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, ethnicity, nationality, family status or physical or mental disabilities.