Brian Jeffrey
Appointment of Visiting Professors at VNUHCMC
Le Thi Anh Tram, the Head of the Personnel Organization Department at VNUHCMC, announced that the university’s director will be responsible for appointing visiting professors. These professors will work on a part-time basis in teaching or research, either in person or online.
Hiring Plans
The university plans to recruit 100 visiting professors from 2025 to 2030, with the first 50 appointments anticipated in 2025 and 2026.
Targeted Candidates
The recruitment is aimed at distinguished associate professors, professors, experts, and researchers with notable achievements from universities and research institutions. Candidates holding a doctorate must have a minimum of 10 years of experience to qualify for an invitation.
Qualifications Required
Prospective professors should demonstrate significant contributions to teaching, research, and technological advancement, as evidenced by international publications, patents, and innovative technological products.
Focus Areas
The initiative will prioritize specific fields, including biotechnology, biomedicine, semiconductor technology, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, materials science, new energy, modern logistics, international finance, climate change, sustainable development, and studies in Vietnamese history and culture.
Appointment Duration
Appointments for visiting professors can range from a minimum of one year to a maximum of five years, with the possibility for extensions.
Invitation Process
“We invite rather than recruit. Our ‘invitation’ process will have different standards and conditions than those applied to regular staff,” stated Vu Hai Quan, the director of VNUHCM.
Compensation and Resources
Visiting professors can expect competitive salaries along with allowances for travel and accommodation. They will also have access to modern facilities, laboratories, and research resources at VNUHCM member institutions.
On-Site Requirements
Each professor is required to spend a minimum of 10 days each year on the university campus. Their responsibilities encompass teaching (online or in-person), organizing scientific workshops, mentoring doctoral students, and fostering international collaborations and research initiatives.
Goals of the Program
According to Quan, the appointment of 100 visiting professors aims to not only improve teaching quality but also to stimulate scientific research and innovation at VNUHCM. These professors are expected to enhance talent development programs, share expertise, and keep students updated on cutting-edge technologies and knowledge. Additionally, they will support startup initiatives and assist students in developing practical business concepts and projects.
Application Timeline
VNUHCM will open applications in March 2025 and will create an evaluation committee to assess candidates based on their competencies and accomplishments. Selected candidates will participate in either in-person or online interviews prior to their formal appointment.
Direct Appointments
For extraordinary candidates backed by prominent VNUHCM scholars, the evaluation committee can recommend direct invitations to the university director, bypassing standard application procedures.
Recent Returns from Overseas
In a related note, Quan revealed that seven doctorate holders, who previously graduated from top-ranked global universities, are set to return to Vietnam in 2024 to join VNUHCMC. These universities rank among the top 100 in the QS World Rankings.
