Professor of Practice in the Department of Architecture

Fractional (80%) Non-Tenure Track Associate Professor of Practice in the Department of Architecture and the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering (Ref.: 493786)

Applications are invited for appointment as Fractional (80%) Non-Tenure Track Associate Professor of Practice in Fabrication Laboratory Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in Design in the Department of Architecture and the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering (Ref.: 493786), to commence on September 1, 2019 or as soon as possible thereafter. This is a joint appointment between the Department of Architecture in the Faculty of Architecture and the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering, with the former as the home department. The post will be on a three-year fixed-term basis, with the possibility of renewal subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance.

The Faculty of Architecture and the Faculty of Engineering provide a supportive and friendly environment and are embarking on a programme of recruitment to invest in areas of acknowledged strength and to invest in areas of internationally competitive activity. Information about the Faculties can be obtained at https://arch.hku.hk (Architecture) and http://engg.hku.hk (Engineering).

The Department of Architecture has an international reputation and is ranked amongst the world’s best architectural schools. Design thinking is at the core of its values and the Department prides itself on providing an active and dynamic research environment. The scholars and professionals who constitute the teaching staff of the Department and its Division of Landscape represent a diversity of research interests. The scale and breadth of case studies in the region offers a potential portfolio of innovative research projects. An architectural laboratory structure provides opportunities to pool efforts, form industrial and professional collaborations, cross disciplinary boundaries, and develop forums for exchange and research coproduction. The Department offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in an intense and demanding environment where staff members take an active part in shaping the Department’s culture through both teaching and administrative responsibilities. The promising and energetic community of students come from Hong Kong, Mainland China, Asia, and across the world. Information about the Department can be obtained at http://arch.hku.hk.

The Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering is one of the five engineering departments in the Faculty of Engineering, offering B.Eng., M.Sc., M.Phil. and Ph.D. programmes in fields of Industrial Engineering and Logistics Management. Excellent facilities are provided in a number of laboratories for teaching and research. Information about the Department can be obtained at http://www.imse.hku.hk.

Applicants should possess a postgraduate and professional degree in Architecture or Engineering. Preference will be given to those holding professional qualifications and/or a Ph.D. degree in Architecture, Engineering, or an affiliated discipline and to those who have experience in practicing design in a multidisciplinary context. They should have at least 6 years of experience in practice and 3 years of teaching experience, an established record of research, teaching and critical practice in the form of design projects or creative work, and a capacity to integrate the different elements of their research and practice into teaching. As the Department moves to strengthen international links with academic institutions and innovators in design throughout Asia and the world, applicants who have a record of building such partnerships are encouraged to apply. Strong writing skills and grant-writing experience are also welcome as staff are expected to pursue funding opportunities to advance their research.

The appointee will work within research labs on interfaculty, interdisciplinary, and innovative projects in relation to Fabrication Laboratory Robotics and AI in Design. He/She should be able supervise research students and to conduct teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels for the following courses: design studios, core courses on technology, and advanced seminars in robotics and AI.

For enquiries about the post, please write to Dr. Eric H. Schuldenfrei, Head of the Department of Architecture (e-mail: applyarc@hku.hk).

A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, in addition to annual leave and medical benefits. The appointment will attract a contract-end gratuity and University contribution to a retirement benefits scheme, totaling up to 15% of basic salary. Housing benefits will be provided as applicable.

The University only accepts online application for the above post.  Applicants should apply online at the University’s career site (http://jobs.hku.hk) and upload an up-to-date C.V., a cover letter, a one-page teaching statement, and three references of senior academics familiar with the applicant’s practice and teaching background, skills and experience plus research and teaching portfolio (less than 20MB).  Closes February 28, 2019.

The University is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to equality, ethics, inclusivity, diversity and transparency