Is HKUST a research university? How does it rank in the world?

HKUST is a world-class research-intensive university that focuses on science, technology and business as well as humanities and social science. HKUST offers an international campus, and a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy to nurture well-rounded graduates with global vision, a strong entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking. HKUST is ranked as the world’s best young university in Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2023. Its graduates were ranked 29th worldwide and among the best from universities from Asia in Global University Employability Survey 2024. See the latest ranking news of HKUST.

What is the relationship between the Hong Kong campus and the Guangzhou campus?

The development of our new Guangzhou campus creates an exceptional opportunity for the systematic development of cross-disciplinary programs in concert with the disciplinary-oriented efforts on our Hong Kong campus. We envision a Unified System that promotes complementary University campuses while avoiding duplicating programs. The complementary academic structure allows establishment of new intellectual domains to fit the University’s diverse goals, and promotes collaboration and integration between campuses, including facilities and services, policies and mechanisms, and professional standards.

Where is the Guangzhou campus? What does it look like?

HKUST(GZ) is located in Nansha, Guangzhou. Designed by internationally renowned architects Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF) as an inspirational “smart green campus”, HKUST(GZ) will align with both the style of the Hong Kong campus and the natural features of its own environment. Combining institutional form, function, and aspiration with sustainability and organic beauty, it memorably heralds the university of the future, setting a new standard for higher education. You may catch a glimpse of our beautiful campus here.

What is the working language in HKUST(GZ)?

Envisioned to be an international research university with the same academic quality and standard as HKUST, English will be the medium for instruction and working language in HKUST(GZ). The Senate may allow the use of other languages for specific courses in HKUST(GZ).

How will the university support innovation and entrepreneurship in HKUST(GZ)?

An important feature of HKUST's integrated approach is the support provided for the further development of the ideas and inventions generated by our University community. Going beyond initial inspiration and invention, the University assists and encourages the application of basic research through practical usage and entrepreneurship, along with other societal contributions. These knowledge transfer activities are a core component of our approach to fulfilling our primary objectives.

Are faculty members in HKUST(GZ) automatically affiliated with HKUST?

By going through a formal procedure, HKUST(GZ) faculty can become Cross-Campus Faculty Affiliate of HKUST, and vice versa.

When does recruitment start?

Recruitment has already started and we accept applications all-year-round. Evaluation and selection has begun and we review applications continuously.

What positions and in what disciplines are available in HKUST and HKUST(GZ)?

We welcome applications from researchers in all research areas, for various levels of tenure-track including professor, associate professor and assistant professor. We also welcome applications focus on teaching- or education-track positions. HKUST(GZ) is committed to diversity in recruitment and equal opportunity employment; we encourage suitable candidates of diverse backgrounds to submit their applications.

Do you hire non-tenure track faculty, such as teaching-track faculty? Will you consider industry specialists without a PhD for that purpose?

We welcome teaching-track faculty (Senior Lecturer and Lecturer), education-track faculty (Assistant/Associate Professor of Education) and visiting positions in different hubs and colleges. You may refer to our career page for more details. Industry specialists without PhD but with extensive entrepreneurship experience can be potential candidates for the position of Professor of Practice.  

Can I apply to both Hong Kong and Guangzhou campuses at the same time?

Yes. In the application portal you can specify both campuses. Please do keep in mind that there are fewer positions for the Hong Kong campus.

Can I apply for multiple positions and thrust areas at one time?

Yes. It is common for an applicant to fit in more than one thrust area. In fact, thrusts in HKUST(GZ) are not mutually exclusive. Do apply to multiple thrust areas if you think they fit your research profile.

My area isn’t a perfect fit to any of the thrust areas, do I have a chance?

Yes! While the thrust areas set a few general directions for research areas in HKUST(GZ), an important mission of HKUST(GZ) is to become a leading institution for cross-disciplinary research and innovation.

Beside the thrust areas, there will be several centers and institutes, some of which will focus on areas that might not be covered by thrusts (e.g. Center for Quantum Science and Technology). We welcome applications in all research fields. In fact, new areas can even inspire us to start exciting new initiatives. On the application page you can choose “Others”, and fill in keywords to describe your research.

I have a research collaborator and it would be good to have him/her as a colleague. Is this “Team Hiring” encouraged?

Indeed team or cluster hiring is an important component of our recruitment effort. We believe having a strong research team can often lead to synergy and higher productivity. Thus we strongly welcome researchers and their collaborators to apply at the same time. In the application form there will be a section for one to indicate whether they have other research team members who are also applying or would be interested in our recruitment.

My spouse is also interested in applying for a position at HKUST/ HKUST(GZ). May our applications be considered together?

Each application will be considered separately by their respective search committees, but we do give strong considerations to spousal hires. We strongly welcome you and your spouse to apply at the same time. If both of you are shortlisted, the search committees will take into consideration as appropriate.

Upon receiving a successful offer from HKUST or HKUST(GZ), whom would I sign the contract with, HKUST or other entities?

You will typically sign the contract with the entity you receive the offer from.

Can I choose to work on which campus? Is it possible to change the home campus later?

You will be stationed on the campus that you received the offer from, and this campus will be your home campus for performing duties.

How do I apply?

Please apply via this application link.

Will my salary be competitive compared to the US or Hong Kong? Will I get paid in Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) or Renminbi (CNY)?

Yes. Both HKUST and HKUST(GZ) offer very competitive starting salaries and generous benefits. Depending on qualification, rank and experience, starting salary is generally comparable or even higher than the average starting salaries in Tier I research universities in the US. You will also be glad to know that the cost of living in Guangzhou is significantly lower than in the US and in Hong Kong. You will be paid in Renminbi (CNY) if you were appointed by HKUST(GZ).

How about medical benefits?

In addition to the statutory Social Insurance in China, the University also provides faculty members and family (if applicable)  supplementary medical and accident coverage.

Would the procedure of applying for business trip for international conferences/research travel be similar to other Hong Kong universities?

Yes, we encourage our faculty to attend international conferences and events. There is a very simple online process to apply for business trip for overseas travelling; the application procedure in HKUST(GZ) is the same as in other universities in HK.

Are there sabbatical leaves available?

Yes, sabbatical leave with full pay may be granted to eligible academic appointees for purposes of academic research, scholarly pursuits and professional development so that they will continue to give a high standard of service to the University upon return from leave. Sabbatical leave, if granted, shall be limited to the rate of 1/6 of a period of credit-earning service up to a maximum of 12 months. The application policy and procedure in HKUST(GZ) is the same as in HKUST.

What is the retirement plan for faculty? Is there an age limit for application?

In principle, the retirement age for HKUST(GZ) faculty is the same as HKUST faculty, i.e. at the age of 65. For special cases, retirement may be extended subject to approval. There is no age limit for application. In the mainland of China, the statutory Social Insurance covers both Chinese citizens and non-Chinese citizens before they reach the retirement age (Male: 60 year-old; Female: 55 year-old).

Will I have campus housing?

Tenure/ substantiation-track, teaching-track and education-track faculty are all eligible for on-campus rental at a staff discounted rate in HKUST(GZ). Other types of appointee will subject to regulations established by the University from time to time, and availability of on-campus housing units.

Are there housing subsidies and/or financial assistance to rent/acquire a property (if opt for not taking the on-campus housing benefit)? Is rental around the Guangzhou campus easy to find?

Faculty can choose to live outside the campus and apply for housing allowance provided by the Government. Accommodation around the Guangzhou campus is easy to find as a large number of properties have been developed/ are being developed in Nansha District. The convenient location of HKUST(GZ) also means that you have more options in nearby districts and cities.

What are the school options and costs for my children in Guangzhou (either to join the local school system or international schools)? Will the university/ government provide any support?

There are numerous school options in Guangzhou. As of August 2022, there are 93 primary and high schools and 135 kindergartens in the Nansha District alone. In Nansha District, there are several renowned international schools such as Ulink College, Nansha College Preparatory Academy, Minxin School, and American International College, etc. Additionally, local elite schools like Guangzhou Zhixin High School and Nansha Chaoyang School have also been established and are now open for enrollment.

China’s nine-year compulsory education has long been established but Guangzhou is one of the few cities that pilots twelve-year free education. Enrolment into public primary and high schools in Guangzhou is free. Usually you will only need to pay for miscellaneous fees (typically below RMB1,000 per term) and meals (if applicable for the school).

You may find out more about Guangzhou’s education system via this link:
http://www.gz.gov.cn/guangzhouinternational/residents/education/ HKUST(GZ) is in the process of establishing its affiliated primary and secondary schools. Depending on the progress of the preparations and government accreditation, we are committed to actively following up and providing updated information as it becomes available.

The Guangzhou campus promotes multidisciplinary research, how is our multidisciplinary output evaluated for tenure purposes, especially in the absence of a set of clearly defined top multidisciplinary journals?

Faculty members will be evaluated based on their teaching, research and service. Almost all cross-disciplinary areas have their own or related publication venues.

Is there a tenure system? How fast is the tenure clock ticking?

Yes. HKUST and HKUST(GZ) adopt a three-tier tenure/ substantiation-track faculty rank structure at Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and Professor levels.  HKUST(GZ) follows the same tenure system as HKUST, which is virtually the same as other US research universities.

What would the teaching load in HKUST(GZ) be? Will there be course reduction in the first year?

The teaching load is comparable with other research universities but may vary in different hubs and thrusts. Subject to negotiation we usually give new hires course reduction in the first year.

How is research reviewed?

HKUST(GZ) will have the same research review process as HKUST and similar to other research universities in the world. We expect a broadened range of activities that include not only the blue sky, curiosity-driven efforts that have formed the core of our program, but also more mission-encouraged research spurred by the grand challenges facing humanity.

What are the research funding sources from which a faculty in Guangzhou can apply for grants? Can we apply for Hong Kong or Overseas grants?

Faculty members in HKUST(GZ), like other faculty members in the mainland, are eligible for funding at the national level, such as those sponsored by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) among others. Guangdong and Guangzhou governments also provide various local research grants. We also provide a startup fund for new faculty members. Each funding agency has its own guideline in terms of eligibility. You may wish to check the grant guidelines or consult the funding agency for eligibility.

Is there any challenge for junior faculty members to compete with senior ones?

HKUST(GZ) is recruiting 400 regular faculty by 2025 in all research areas. We welcome all qualified candidates regardless of seniority. Selection is based on candidates’ qualities rather than seniority.

Is the number of students fixed? If so, how many can each faculty get?

We have admitted postgraduate students in the initial phase and have begun accepting undergraduates in 2023. We target to admit 4,000 postgraduate students by 2027/28. Total undergraduate and postgraduate population will reach 10,000 by 2032/33.

The number of students each hub and thrust gets will depend on student interest and availability of faculty supervisors, among other considerations. There is no hard cap on how many students each faculty can supervise.

How will graduate students be supported?

Students in HKUST(GZ) are supported by the Guangzhou Government financially. We also offer studentships and scholarships for students.

Are there any differences between the degree titles from the two campuses?

HKUST(GZ) students who have satisfactorily completed the degree program will be awarded the HKUST degree. There will be no distinctions between the degree titles.

Function Hub: Does your hub only recruit junior faculties at this moment? Is postdoc experience required for all junior candidates?

We recruit faculty members at all level including senior ones. The postdoc experiences are preferred for juniors but this is not a required condition when the search committee decides the short-list.

Information Hub: Can candidates with a strong background in arts but no engineering background apply for the Computational Media and Arts (CMA) programs?

Candidates with an arts background should hold a doctoral degree in a relevant field, plus an active media art exhibition history with a sustained creative research practice in a related area. Priority will be given to artists who are able to teach a range of skills, including digital and innovative approaches; showing an explicitly experiential, experimental and expansive outlook on digital arts making; commanding a deep understanding and active creation in one or more areas in computation media arts.

Information Hub: Internet of Things (IoT) covers a wide range of areas, so the candidates in which fields are you interested in?

We are interested in candidates who can create a multi-disciplinary IoT curriculum and pursue high impact research in a science, technology and engineering oriented academic environment. Candidates should work in one or more of the following IoT-related areas: IoT infrastructure and devices, IoT systems and communications, IoT intelligence and automation, IoT applications, IoT security and privacy-enhancing technologies.

Information Hub: Can I apply for both AI Thrust Area and Data Science and Analytics (DSA) Thrust Area at the same time?

Yes. But the Hub will evaluate your background/research field/teaching ability etc. and eventually offer up to one position in the Hub.

In particular, AI Thrust Area is looking for candidates who, either are interested in developing fundamental AI algorithms, or can successfully apply AI to develop transformative technologies to improve our society, in fields such as media, design, finance, manufacturing, medicine, security, and smart living, etc. While DSA is interested in candidates who have a demonstrated ability to pursue high impact research in the areas of data science and analytics at all ranks.

Systems Hub: For bio-related research, is there a medical school at the Guangzhou campus to support?

Neither the Guangzhou campus nor the Hong Kong campus has a medical school. But there are a number of medical schools and hospitals in Guangzhou. Collaborations are highly encouraged. Besides, a vivarium and a central facility for bio-related research are planned for the Guangzhou campus.

Systems Hub: For Intelligent Transportation Thrust, is it limited to ground transportation only?

The Intelligent Transportation Thrust will cover all forms of transportation including ground, underground, air, and marine.

Society Hub: In what disciplines and fields will the Society Hub hire? Are you interested in people with a technology background rather than a social science, business, and public policy background?

We need scholars in Social Sciences, Urban Studies, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Economics, Finance, Statistics, Information Technology, Computer Science and Engineering, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship as well as other Business and Management disciplines. Candidates with cross-disciplinary backgrounds are especially welcome.

We do recruit people specializing in computer science and data science (FinTech Thrust), geography and geo-information, urban design and urban planning (Urban Governance and Design Thrust), environment, health, technology and entrepreneurship (Innovation, Policy and Entrepreneurship Thrust).

Society Hub: What does the Urban Governance and Design (UGOD) Thrust want to achieve?

In our view, urban governance is far broader than conventional urban planning, urban policy and public administration. It treats the modern city as a complex system. To achieve effective governance and make city a more livable place, the thrust takes a cross-disciplinary and integrated approach to address many issues related to people’s socio-economic outcomes such as education, health, inequality and poverty, labor and migration, regional economic development, and how technology and urban designs can assist in improving residents’ well-being.

Society Hub: What typical disciplines the Urban Governance and Design (UGOD) Thrust aims to involve in the cross-disciplinary research on urban issues?

We welcome candidates who have received strong training in their own disciplines (civil engineering, computer science, demography, economics, geography, sociology), as well as in interdisciplinary areas such as public health, public policy, and urban planning, who are interested in applying their expertise to conduct research on the focused issues related to cities. New synergy programs on urban issues may emerge among colleagues through cross-disciplinary interaction and collaborations with the Thrust area.

Society Hub: How does the Urban Governance and Design (UGOD) Thrust differ from other disciplinary and interdisciplinary urban research programs?

The UGOD Thrust area not only differs from disciplinary programs such as urban economics, urban geography, urban sociology, but also from existing interdisciplinary programs such as urban planning or urban studies. In general, training in the urban programs associated with social science and/or public policy places emphasis more on theories, whereas training affiliated with architecture/ building environment focuses on planning and design from a practical point of view. Few have heavily focused on increasingly available empirical data, especially big data, addressing the big issues in cities from the perspective of people who live there. The cross-disciplinary synergy in UGOD will be a unique program in the region and perhaps also in the world for training students in the relevant fields.

For the Innovation, Policy, and Entrepreneurship (IPE) Thrust, do you actually need to hire business practitioners who can teach students how to become an entrepreneur?

The aim of the IPE Thrust is to prepare the next generation of leaders for solving problems at the interface of technology and society through innovation in technology, institution, policy, entrepreneurship, and business model. Our research will focus on a combination of the following topics: Innovation and Intellectual Property Right Protection, Innovation and Strategic Change, Innovation and Technology Management, Anti-Trust/Competition Policy, Health Studies/Health Care Policy, Environmental Studies/Sustainability, Mechanism Design, Experimental Economics and Decision Sciences, Entrepreneurship and Organization Theory, and Entrepreneurship and Financial Management. The questions that the IPE Thrust would like to address include what type of public policies are conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship, what are the DNAs for rapid innovation, how to strike a balance between economic development and environmental protection, and how to help the disadvantaged and marginalized population. These academic research questions aside, we also would, from time to time, invite or hire, under teaching-track, practitioners with rich experience in private or public endeavour to share their insights with our students. After all, we would like to develop our students’ ability to identify real-world issues concerning the technology of the future and come up with innovative prototype solutions.

Do I need to be an expert of all three areas of innovation, policy and entrepreneurship in order to apply for the faculty position at Innovation, Policy, and Entrepreneurship (IPE) Thrust?

It is not necessary for interested candidates to have expertise across all three areas. The cross-disciplinary training offered by IPE will be delivered through collaboration across faculty members with diverse background. However, candidates would find them more productive with relevant experience or training in fields such as innovation and public policy; entrepreneurship; policy and sustainability; energy and resources management; green finance; complex system and big data for public policy; technology, society and risk management.

Does Innovation, Policy, and Entrepreneurship (IPE) Thrust focus more on academic research or applied research?

The courses offered by IPE aim to train students to employ academic research methods to tackle practical societal problems. Faculty members will be exposed to an environment which allows them to choose to concentrate on more theoretical inquiries, or application-oriented research, or both based on their own interest and career development path. The Thrust Area overall encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration and co-production across not only the Thrust Areas in different Hubs but also across the two HKUST campuses.

Society Hub: Does FinTech Thrust only recruit researchers with research papers on FinTech area?

We realize that FinTech is a new research area and it is difficult to identify candidates who specialize in FinTech research. If you are a pure Finance person working on traditional asset pricing or corporate finance but with some interest in FinTech, you are welcome to apply for our faculty position. Similarly, if you are a tech person with some understanding of Finance and is determined to work on FinTech-related research in the future, you are also our potential candidate. In either case, you need to convince us that you possess the creativity and skills that allow you to contribute to our research and teaching program in FinTech Thrust. FinTech Thrust intends to cultivate interdisciplinary research in FinTech, including but not limited to the following topics: AI/Big Data, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, DCEP, Financial Market Design, Data Analytics/Data Visualization, Risk Management, Financial Technology and Regulation, and Financial Inclusion.

Would it be easy to access Google/Dropbox/YouTube/Twitter on Guangzhou campus?

As an international research university, we will provide faculty and students with convenient internet access to facilitate academic and research efforts on both Hong Kong and Guangzhou campuses.

Is it convenient to travel between the Guangzhou and Hong Kong campuses?

Located in Nansha, Guangzhou, HKUST(GZ) is situated close to the Qingsheng Station. It takes just 28 minutes to travel by High Speed Rail from Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Station. A ferry also runs regularly from Nansha Passenger Port to downtown Hong Kong; the ferry ride takes approximately 90 minutes.

I heard the Greater Bay Area is offering tax incentives to attract talents. What are the policies now?

Non-Mainland passport holders recruited to HKUST(GZ) will enjoy a 15% tax rate cap on their income. The University is working closely with the Guangzhou Government to develop a Talent Scheme to allow the same tax benefit to be applied to our recruits with Mainland passports. Furthermore, the same policy is being now discussed for the whole Greater Bay Area. We are cautiously optimistic that a similar tax policy would soon be applicable to our recruits regardless of their nationality.

If I am stationed in Guangzhou campus and am paid in RMB, is there a limit on how much I can convert into foreign currency and transfer aboard?

Faculty hired by HKUST(GZ) will typically be paid in Renminbi (RMB). Currency conversion and overseas transfer is subject to national and local laws and regulations. Currently one can exchange up to USD 50,000 per year from RMB. However, the University is in discussion with the Guangzhou Government to allow some flexibility for those who have legitimate needs, e.g. sending children overseas for college.

Will living on Guangzhou campus be boring?

Not at all! Life on Guangzhou campus, like on Hong Kong campus, will be vibrant and colourful. Guangzhou campus offers a plethora of sports facilities and amenities that are essential to maintaining a balance between body and mind. HKUST(GZ) also takes care of your needs from housing to dining and all the socializing that goes on in between. Not only will HKUST(GZ) have its own high street filled with restaurants and shops, but the surrounding area is also one of the fastest newly developing areas of Guangzhou. It is conveniently located next to a Guangzhou Metro station (and with another station being planned) that goes directly into downtown Guangzhou. Furthermore, Hong Kong is but a 30-minute ride by High Speed Rail.

How is the neighbourhood of the Guangzhou campus?

As the centerpiece of Nansha’s International Education Park, the Guangzhou campus is immediately surrounded by schools, international schools and kindergartens. To the East of the Guangzhou campus, Guangzhou University’s international campus is being planned. Large shopping malls, premium housing and leisure areas are also available nearby. The Qingsheng area is designed to be Nansha’s core district for artificial intelligence, internet technology, creativity, and technological research.