Chair Prof./Prof./Asso Prof./Assist Prof. in Sustainable Ocean Science and Engineering

Rooted in 90 years of heritage and intellectual achievement, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has evolved alongside society and made pivotal contributions to the development of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. The University pursues world-class excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer to nurture socially responsible professionals and leaders, as well as to drive impactful research and innovation. PolyU will strive to continually excel as an innovative world-class university that makes a positive impact on society, living up to the University’s motto: “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind”.

Ranked among the top 100 universities globally by well-known ranking organisations such as Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), Times Higher Education (THE) and U.S. News & World Report, PolyU offers a wide range of world-class educational and research programmes in seven faculties and three independent schools. PolyU has furthermore achieved commendable results in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 – it is ranked in the global top 30 for five subjects, is first in Hong Kong for four subjects, and is in the global top 100 for 24 subjects. For further details about the University, please visit PolyU’s website at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/ .

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

Chair Professor / Professor / Associate Professor / Assistant Professor in Sustainable Ocean Science and Engineeringunder Strategic Hiring Scheme (Ref. 260915003)

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at PolyU enjoys a high international reputation in conducting world-class research for societal benefits and has well established partnerships with the industry and government agencies in Hong Kong and beyond. It is ranked the 2nd best worldwide in Civil Engineering in the U.S. News Best Global Universities Rankings 2026, the 18th in Civil and Structural Engineering and the 34th in Environmental Science in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 (both ranked No. 1 in Hong Kong). The Department offers academic programmes at various levels (PhD, MSC, BEng, BSc).

The Department currently has about 80 faculty members (more than 40 regular faculty members at Assistant Professor and above levels) and around 40 technical and administrative personnel, and is committed to international standards of excellence in teaching and research. Please visit the website at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/cee/  for more information about the Department.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is an international city located strategically at the heart of Asia and is the gateway to Chinese Mainland, with excellent transport links to major international cities. The University’s campus is located near the harbour connecting Kowloon and the Hong Kong Island, and in the vicinity of Tsim Sha Tsui, which is the most popular area for visitors.

The Department is seeking a highly motivated and suitably qualified individual with research expertise in climate modelling, atmospheric dynamics, hydrometeorology, or other related climate science disciplines.

To boost the leadership and impact of PolyU’s research work in areas of significant societal needs and strategic importance, the Strategic Hiring Scheme is introduced to recruit faculty members at all levels and outstanding scholars are invited to join the University under the Strategic Hiring Scheme. Appointees recruited under the Strategic Hiring Scheme should have conducted / led world-leading research that is commensurate with the stage of their academic career.

Duties

The appointees will be required to:

(a)    teach at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in related disciplines; 

(b)    conduct research that leads to publications in top-tier refereed journals and awards of research grants;

(c)    undertake research, programme / curriculum development and administration;

(d)    supervise student projects and theses;

(e)    engage in industrial and scholarly research / consultancy activities;

(f)     undertake academic and departmental administrative duties; and

(g)    perform any other duties as assigned by the Head of Unit or his delegates.

Qualifications

Applicants should have:

(a)    a PhD in Engineering or Science, specialising in Coastal / Ocean Engineering, Ocean Science and Climatology, Hydraulic / Hydrological Engineering, Marine Technology, or a related field;

(b)    a strong commitment to excellence in teaching and research;

(c)    strong records of research, publications and scholarship in coastal modelling, marine technology, ocean renewables and sustainability, and/or ocean dynamics;

(d)    good networking ability and excellent potential to become a world-leading scholar; and

(e)    excellent communication skills and the ability to use English as the medium of instruction. 

Applicants for appointment at Chair Professor level should have an outstanding record of global leadership and research achievement in the community, in addition to substantial years of relevant post-qualification experience.

Applicants for appointment at Professor or Associate Professor level should have a substantial number of years of experience and an excellent record of relevant academic and/or research achievement in the specified field. Applicants with less experience will be considered for appointment at the level of Assistant Professor.

Conditions of Service

A highly competitive remuneration package will be offered. Faculty members recruited through the Strategic Hiring Scheme at Chair Professor or Professor level will receive a start-up grant of HKD 5 million or more to support research activities (including the admission of two PhD students, purchase of equipment, hiring of research staff, etc.) in the initial five years, whereas those appointed at Associate Professor or Assistant Professor level will receive a start-up grant of HKD 3 million or more. Initial appointment for Assistant Professor will be on a fixed-term gratuity-bearing contract. Re-engagement thereafter is subject to mutual agreement. An appropriate term will be provided for appointment at Associate Professor / Professor / Chair Professor levels. 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

Please submit an application through PolyU’s career website (https://jobs.polyu.edu.hk/academic ). Consideration of applications will commence on 14 October 2026 until the positions are filled. 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, dedicated to fostering an environment that embraces diversity and demonstrates inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and experiences where all members of the University are treated with fairness, dignity and respect. To learn more about the University’s “Statement on Equal Opportunities, Diversity, and Inclusion”, please visit our website at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/equal_opportunities_diversity_and_inclusion/ .