Senior AI Developer (at the rank of IT Officer) for AI Applications Team in the Information Technology Services (Ref.: 536347)
Information Technology Services (ITS) provides central IT services to support the University’s teaching, learning, research and administrative activities. ITS is transforming its organization to support its new strategic development and strategic adoption of new technologies. Information about ITS can be obtained at https://www.its.hku.hk/.
We are seeking a high-caliber IT talent to join us to provide top-notch IT services for our AI Applications Team.
The Role
The appointee will play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and maintaining our core platforms. The appointee will be an essential part of a cross-functional team, specializing in full-stack development (Vue & Django) with a strong emphasis on the deployment of AI/Vision Language Models (VLMs), cloud-native architecture (primarily Azure), end-to-end DevOps practices, and the integration and self-deployment with Hyperledger Fabric for credential verification. Key responsibilities are:
- Full-Stack Development & Architecture: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, design robust solutions, and deliver high-quality, scalable web applications spanning the full software development lifecycle
- AI & Technology Innovation:
- Research, develop, and self-deploy Large Language Models (LLMs) and Vision Language Models (VLMs) to automate and enhance credential verification processes
- Leverage frameworks such as Langchain for AI workflows and utilize AI-assisted tools (e.g., Cursor, ChatGPT) to boost development productivity
- Application Engineering:
- Develop and maintain web applications with a primary focus on Vue.js for the frontend and Django alongside Java (e.g. Spring Boot) for robust backend services
- Manage and optimize enterprise APIs, databases, and object storage (e.g., MySQL, Oracle, MinIO)
- DevOps & Cloud Infrastructure:
- Champion the DevOps culture within the team
- Design, implement, and manage CI/CD pipelines, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and cloud-native infrastructure (Azure, Alibaba Cloud, AWS)
- Manage specific Azure services including Azure API Management (APIM), Azure App Service Plans, and Azure Static Web Apps to ensure seamless, secure, and automated deployments
- Blockchain Implementation: Lead the design, development, and maintenance of distributed ledger technology solutions, with a major focus on building and managing Hyperledger Fabric networks, smart contracts (chaincode), and secure credential components
- Troubleshooting & Reliability:
- Troubleshoot, debug, and resolve complex application and infrastructure issues
- Monitor system health and provide timely resolutions to ensure smooth performance, auto-failover, and fault-tolerant operations
Qualifications and Qualities
Applicants should possess a Bachelor's degree or above in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, and a good command of written and spoken English and Chinese. They should also have good knowledge of and relevant experience in some of the following areas:
- Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience as a Full-Stack Developer with a proven track record of delivering and maintaining successful enterprise-grade applications
- AI and VLM/LLM Capabilities:
- Practical experience in developing AI-enabled applications using frameworks such as LangChain, vector databases, embedding models, RAG pipelines, OCR engines, and multimodal AI models
- Experience in deploying, self-hosting, or integrating Large Language Models and Vision Language Models, especially for document processing, information extraction, verification, chatbot development, intelligent search, or workflow automation
- Knowledge of model evaluation, prompt engineering, AI safety, hallucination control, data privacy, secure deployment, and human-in-the-loop validation
- Experience with GPU-based model deployment, inference optimization, containerized AI services, or on-premises AI deployment would be an advantage
- Technical Proficiency:
- Highly proficient in front-end development using Vue.js and React.js
- Strong hands-on experience in back-end development with Django and Spring Boot
- Solid understanding of databases (SQL/NoSQL), RESTful APIs, and modern web architecture patterns
- Proven experience with modern testing frameworks (e.g., Pytest, Jest/Vitest, Cypress) and load/performance testing technologies (e.g., JMeter, Locust)
- Cloud & DevOps Mastery:
- Extensive hands-on experience with cloud platforms (especially Azure, as well as Alibaba Cloud and AWS) and cloud-native architecture
- Proficiency in DevOps tools and practices, including CI/CD automation, container orchestration (Docker/Kubernetes), and management of cloud services such as Azure APIM, App Service Plans
- Blockchain Expertise: Deep technical knowledge and hands-on experience with Hyperledger Fabric and blockchain architecture
- Soft Skills:
- Excellent problem-solving skills, strong analytical mindset, and the ability to work collaboratively in an agile team environment
- Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
- Quality, Testing & Best Practices:
- Champion automated testing by implementing unit, integration, and end-to-end (E2E) tests
- Conduct performance and load testing to ensure system resilience
- Write clean, efficient, testable, and well-documented code that strictly adheres to industry best practices, security standards, and institutional data policies
- Continuous Learner: A strong passion for exploring emerging technologies and continuously enhancing your technical and leadership skills
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 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 at 10% of basic salary. Other benefits include annual leave and medical benefits.
How to Apply
The University only accepts online application for the above post. Applicants should apply online and upload an up-to-date CV. Review of applications will start as soon as possible and continue until June 30, 2026, or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier.
The University is an equal opportunities employer and
is committed to equality, ethics, inclusivity, diversity and transparency
