Assistant Director

Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office

(Ref. 260327008-IE)

Duties

The appointee will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the knowledge transfer (KT) and entrepreneurship activities across the Mainland Translational Research Institutes (MTRIs). He/She will be required to:

(a)    lead the development and management of InnoHubs located within various MTRIs by ensuring that they serve as effective landing platforms for PolyU start-ups and technology translation projects in the Chinese Mainland;

(b)    oversee the investment framework for start-ups incubated through MTRIs including the selection process, due diligence, and portfolio management of ventures receiving University-related funding or Mainland government subsidies;

(c)    drive the formulation and updating of KT policies, IP licensing guidelines, and entrepreneurship support schemes specifically tailored for the Chinese Mainland legal and business environment to ensure alignment with PolyU’s core mission;

(d)    collaborate closely with the Graduate School of PolyU and MTRIs to support the Master of Technology Entrepreneurship (MTE) programme, and facilitate Mainland-based entrepreneurship activities, industrial mentorships, and translational research projects for MTE students;

(e)    lead the promotion of MTRI’s research capabilities and output to the Chinese Mainland industries, investors, and local governments through high-impact events, roadshows, and branding initiatives;

(f)     build a robust network with Chinese Mainland industrial partners, venture capital firms, and government agencies to support the commercialisation of PolyU technologies;

(g)    provide high-level secretarial support to committees related to Mainland development, KT and entrepreneurship; 

(h)    monitor regulatory changes in the Chinese Mainland (e.g., tax, IP law, data export) that affect start-up operations and translational research, and provide timely advice to University’s management; and

(i)     perform any other duties as assigned by the Director of Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship or the overseeing Senior Management Executive from time to time.

Working on irregular hours and frequent travel to the Chinese Mainland is required.

Qualifications

Applicants should: 

(a)    have a recognised degree in Engineering, Science, Marketing, Business Administration or a related discipline;

(b)    have a minimum of ten years’ managerial experience in technology transfer, entrepreneurial development, and marketing in a project-based environment;

(c)    have a proven track record in the innovation ecosystem of the Chinese Mainland, and experience working directly with science parks, research institutes, or venture capital being an advantage;

(d)    be familiar with IP laws, technology licensing, and start-up investment structures in both Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland;

(e)    have an excellent command of both written and spoken English and Chinese, with native-level fluency in Putonghua being a distinct advantage; and

(f)     possess strong negotiation and presentation skills to engage with high-level government officials and corporate executives.

Conditions of Service

A highly competitive remuneration package will be offered.  Initial appointment will be on a fixed-term gratuity-bearing contract.  Re-engagement thereafter is subject to mutual agreement.

Consideration of applications will commence on 10 April 2026 until the position is filled. 

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Posting date: 27 March 2026