Executive Director

The Foundation

The Qiu Shi Science & Technologies Foundation (QSF) was established by Mr. Chi-Ming Cha (1914-2007) and his family in Hong Kong in 1994. The primary mission of the Foundation is to promote scientific and technological advancements for the benefit of humanity.

Through the Qiu Shi Awards, the Foundation honors outstanding researchers across disciplines including Life Sciences & Medicine, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering & Materials Science, Chemistry, and Sustainability Science. Over the past 30 years, the Qiu Shi Awards have been granted to 367 exceptional Chinese scientists, including 3 Lifetime Achievement Awards, 33 Outstanding Scientist Awards, 204 Outstanding Young Scholar Awards, and 127 Outstanding Scientific Team Awards.

Over the years, the Foundation has launched the Qiu Shi Graduate Student Scholarship and the Cha Chi Ming & Liu Bie Ju Undergraduate Student Scholarship across more than 20 universities, awarding outstanding Ph.D. students and providing financial assistance to exceptional undergraduate students in need. The Foundation has granted over 8,000 scholarships to date.

QSF has broadened the reach of QSF’s prize beyond Mainland China to include recognition of ethnic Chinese scientists working internationally. New areas for targeted future programming include Environmental / Sustainability science and technology, Women in STEM, and translational research and physician-scientist development. For further information about QSF, please refer to https://www.qiushi.org/.

The Position

The Executive Director (ED) will lead the Foundation’s programs, operations, and strategic initiatives from its Hong Kong office. Reporting directly to the Executive Committee, the ED will manage a small administrative team and oversee day-to-day management while advancing QSF’s long-term vision. The ED and team will serve as a central liaison between scientific advisors, award recipients, alumni, partner institutions, and the Executive Committee, ensuring alignment and excellence across all activities. The ED and team will collaborate closely with affiliated organizations and advisors.

The Person

The ideal candidate brings a combination of strategic leadership and operational rigor, demonstrating intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, exceptional communication skills, and meticulous attention to detail. Given QSF’s streamlined structure, the ED must be a self-starter with strong organizational and time-management abilities. The position requires credibility in engaging with senior scientific advisors and stakeholders, flexibility to work across time zones, and willingness to travel to support programs and events. Strong academic credentials in science and an advanced degree are preferred.

Applications and Nominations

QSF is being represented in this search by Heidrick & Struggles Hong Kong Limited. QSF welcomes applications and nominations from individuals who are committed to contributing to the development and promotion of scientific and technological advancement. Nominations and applications should be submitted to Heidrick & Struggles via email at qsf@heidrick.com. All applications and nominations will be treated in strict confidence.