Research Scientist

About HKUST

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is a world-class research university dedicated to advancing knowledge and delivering societal impact through interdisciplinary innovation. The University is committed to addressing global challenges in climate resilience, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.

About the NbS Hub

HKUST ENVR is establishing a Nature-based Solutions (NbS) Hub to support Hong Kong’s transition toward climate resilience and nature-positive urban development. The Hub will serve as a neutral, science-based coordination platform, bringing together government, academia, industry, NGOs, and financial institutions to accelerate the uptake of high-quality NbS, as well as to scale policy adoption to similar high-rise, high-density cities regionally and internationally.

Designed as a five-year strategic initiative, the Hub aims to strengthen cross-sector governance, promote consistent application of NbS standards, coordinate research priorities, build capacity, and unlock financing pathways through innovative partnerships and knowledge exchange. In addition, the Hub will create a platform to expand academic research on NbS within ENVR, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and strengthening HKUST’s role as a global leader in NbS-related talents and knowledge generation.

Job Description

The appointee will play a strategic scientific leadership role in shaping the development and impact of the NbS Hub. This position sits at the interface of science, policy, and practice, contributing to city-level coordination, thought leadership, and evidence-based decision-making.

The successful candidate will translate institutional outputs into positioning Hong Kong as a regional and global leader in Nature-based Solutions, while supporting the conversion of policy ambitions into scalable, high-quality implementation pathways. The role also offers a unique opportunity to drive the expansion of cutting-edge academic research on NbS within ENVR, linking real-world implementation with research excellence and long-term academic programme development.

Key Responsibilities

• Research Strategy and Coordination

• Coordinate cross-sector efforts to identify research gaps and align research agendas, for synthesising interdisciplinary knowledge across climate, biodiversity, and urban systems
• Oversee development of high-impact knowledge products, including policy briefs, reports, and publications
• Lead or support the development of a city-wide NbS Research Priorities Framework

• 
  Science–Policy Interface

• Translate scientific evidence into policy-relevant insights and actionable recommendations
• Support alignment between NbS research, government priorities, and public-and-private infrastructure planning
• Contribute to the application and interpretation of IUCN and Hong Kong NbS standards across sectors

• 
  Strategic Leadership and Cross-Sector Engagement:

• 
  Provide scientific and strategic leadership to advance the Hub’s mission, shape city-level NbS strategies, and position Hong Kong as a regional leader

• Represent the Hub in high-level engagements with government, international organisations, and key stakeholders, including private sector, finance, NGOs, and academia to drive collaboration

• Build and strengthen partnerships and platforms that advance NbS implementation, innovation, and regional/international engagement

• 
  Programme Development and Governance Support

• Contribute to programme design, funding proposals, and strategic planning

• Support monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of the Hub’s outcomes and impact

• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior researchers and team members

• Assist in the development of teaching and research programs within ENVR, particularly those related to Nature-based Solutions and interdisciplinary sustainability education

Requirements

• PhD in Environmental Science, Ecology, Climate Science, Sustainability, or a related field
• Over 10 years of substantial professional experience, including leadership in research, policy, or interdisciplinary programmes (e.g., Nature-based Solutions (NbS), climate resilience, biodiversity, or sustainable urban development)
• Demonstrated experience in science–policy engagement and influencing decision-making across government, corporate, and community contexts
• Proven real-world experience in NbS implementation, policy development, or cross-sector initiatives
• Established and extensive professional network across relevant sectors (e.g. government, industry, NGOs, finance, and academia), with the ability to effectively mobilize partnerships and collaborations
• Demonstrated experience in teaching at tertiary institutions, particularly in NbS or sustainability-related topics
• Extensive experience working in think tanks or international institutes in sustainability, preferably in leadership roles, is an advantage
• Exceptional executive communication, stakeholder engagement, and facilitation skills