Applications are invited for appointment as Managing Director of the Nanofabrication and Microelectronics Cleanroom Facility (at the rank of Assistant Technical Director) in the Electron Microscope Unit (Ref.: 534373)
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is seeking a dynamic, proactive, and creative individual to lead the operations of micro- and nanofabrication facilities at the Tech Landmark.
About HKU
Consistently ranked among the world’s top universities (11th in QS World University Rankings 2026, 1st in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026 and 33rd in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026), the University of Hong Kong is committed to the highest international standards of excellence in teaching and research. Founded in 1911, HKU has been at the international forefront of academic scholarship for many years. The University has a comprehensive range of study programmes and research disciplines spread across 10 Faculties. There are around 42,330 undergraduate and postgraduate students from 97 countries, and more than 5,000 academic and academic-related staff coming from multi-cultural backgrounds, many of whom are internationally renowned.
For more information about The University of Hong Kong, please visit: https://www.hku.hk/about/
The Opportunity
The Tech Landmark (TLM) is a cluster of four interconnected buildings along University Drive on the Main Campus, designed to support strategically cross‑disciplinary research in science, engineering, and all related STEM fields. Equipped with extensive infrastructure, the TLM offers centralized technological platforms and shared research facilities, including Characterization Facility, Electron Microscope Unit (EMU), Nanofabrication Facility and Microelectronics Cleanroom.
The Managing Director of the Nanofabrication and Microelectronics Cleanroom Facility will lead the establishment of the new cleanroom, oversee its infrastructure and equipment, coordinate daily operations, and plan for long-term development. As a core part of TLM, the Cleanroom Research Facility supports micro- and nanofabrication and promotes collaboration within TLM. The facility will be accessible to all University researchers and external users, including industry partners.
The Role
Reporting to the Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global) and the Director of Electron Microscope Unit, the appointee will oversee the following aspects:
1. Leadership and Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and support a team of cleanroom technicians and specialists.
- Oversee the training of new staff, researchers, and students on how to safely and effectively use the cleanroom.
- Foster a collaborative and service-oriented culture, helping everyone from seasoned engineers to first-year students contribute to research.
2. Facility and Operations Management
- Take charge of the day-to-day operations, ensuring all equipment and systems are running smoothly with minimal downtime.
- Manage the use, maintenance, and repair of sophisticated fabrication tools (like those for deposition, lithography, and growth).
- Oversee the core infrastructure of the cleanroom itself, including air filtration and vacuum systems.
- Coordinate with other university facilities and core labs to provide seamless services to researchers.
3. Strategic Development and Administration
- Develop and implement cleanroom policies and procedures for fabrication, safety, and access.
- Prepare grant proposals to secure funding for new equipment and facility upgrades.
- Manage equipment tenders and procurement, from planning and budgeting to selecting and installing new tools.
- Oversee supplier and partner relationships, ensuring we have the best support and services.
- Prepare for future developments, such as relocating or expanding the cleanroom facility.
4. Project and User Support
- Supervise and support a wide range of device fabrication projects, from initial concept to final prototype.
- Consult with researchers to understand their goals, estimate project needs, and identify the right tools and processes for their work.
- Enable researchers from all disciplines to use the cleanroom to advance their unique projects.
5. Safety and Compliance
- Ensure the cleanroom operates under the highest safety standards.
- Maintain all necessary documentation, including safety manuals and audit reports.
Qualifications and Qualities
The ideal candidate should possess:
- MS degree (or above) in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field.
- At least 20 years of hands-on experience managing a cleanroom or similar high-tech research environment with extensive experience in operating, maintaining, and upgrading the facilities and equipment.
- Proven experiences in constructing an academic/industrial research cleanroom will be highly valued.
- Proven experience in a leadership or management role in cleanrooms in universities and/or research institutes, with the ability to guide a technical team.
- Track records of solving problems and supporting cutting-edge research.
- Strong technical skills with key cleanroom tools and a solid understanding of the underlying infrastructure.
- Great communicator and a true team player, able to explain complex ideas clearly and work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
What We Offer
The appointment will be made on fixed-term full-time contract for 2 years, to commence as soon as possible with the possibility of renewal subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance. A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, together with contract-end gratuity and University contribution to a retirement benefits scheme, totalling up to 15% of basic salary. Other benefits include annual leave and medical benefits. Housing benefits will be provided as applicable.
How to Apply
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. Review of applications will start as soon as possible and continue until December 31, 2026, or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier.
