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Join Us

Become an early member of SPIRE

The group is built on the first-class research platform of HKUST (Guangzhou), with ample research funding, well-equipped laboratories and an open, inclusive academic atmosphere that strongly supports interdisciplinary innovation. What we are looking for is people with a genuine passion for perovskite photovoltaics.

Open Positions

Open positions

PhD places are currently open for Spring 2027 / Fall 2027; postdoctoral fellows and research assistants are recruited on an ongoing basis.

PhD StudentsFull scholarship

Open to students in materials science, physics, chemistry or electronics, or those keen on interdisciplinary research.

  • Full scholarship of RMB 15,000 / month
  • HKUST (Guangzhou) degree, with an interdisciplinary training system
  • Outstanding students may have the chance to visit institutions in Hong Kong or overseas

Postdoctoral FellowsPostdoctoral Fellow

Holders of a PhD with solid research training and a strong publication record, able to drive a project independently.

  • Competitive salary plus research funding support
  • Additional support from national, Guangdong and Guangzhou postdoctoral schemes
  • Support in applying for research grants and talent programmes at all levels

Research AssistantsResearch Assistant

Open to early-career researchers holding a bachelor's or master's degree, to take part in experiments and project delivery.

  • Compensation negotiable, depending on experience and ability
  • Complete research training and opportunities to publish
  • A good stepping stone towards a PhD

Red Bird MPhil / Visiting StudentsRed Bird MPhil · Visiting

Students already admitted to the Red Bird MPhil programme at HKUST (Guangzhou) are welcome to contact us by email to join the group.

  • Supervisor and student choose each other after the 6-month academic exploration period of the Red Bird MPhil programme
  • Students from universities at home and abroad are welcome for short visits and joint training

Requirements

Requirements

We care more about research passion and hands-on ability than about labels on a CV.

01

Academic background

A bachelor's or master's degree already obtained or about to be obtained in materials science, physics, chemistry, electronics or a related field. Exceptional candidates from other backgrounds will also be considered.

02

Research passion & teamwork

Strong enthusiasm for scientific research, with an exploratory spirit, self-motivation and the ability to work in a team.

03

Academic record & research experience

A good academic record; research experience and publications are an advantage.

04

English proficiency

Good spoken and written English for academic communication. See the HKUST (Guangzhou) postgraduate admissions website for the specific requirements.

How to Apply

How to apply

1

Prepare your documents

An English-language CV (including your full research experience and publication list) and English transcripts.

2

Send an email

Subject line format:
Application for [Position/Degree] – [Your Name] – [Current Affiliation]

3

Screening & interviews

Candidates who pass the initial screening will be notified by email as soon as possible, and interviews will be arranged.

4

Join the group

Once the offer is confirmed, complete the enrolment or onboarding procedures following the university's process.

One tip: briefly explaining in the body of your email why you are interested in perovskite photovoltaics, what you have done and what you want to do will leave a much stronger impression than a CV on its own.

Contact

Contact us

If you have any questions, please write to us directly — or come by the office for a chat.

Email

yongzhang@hkust-gz.edu.cn

Prof. Yong Zhang · we will reply as soon as we can

Office

Room 317, 3/F, W4, HKUST (Guangzhou)

Nansha District, Guangzhou, Guangdong · Thrust of Sustainable Energy and Environment, Function Hub

University

HKUST (Guangzhou)

Function Hub · Thrust of Sustainable Energy and Environment
Aerial view of the HKUST (Guangzhou) campus
HKUST (Guangzhou) campus · Nansha District, Guangzhou — home of the Function Hub and its interdisciplinary research environment.

Bring perovskite photovoltaics out of the laboratory

From high-purity precursors to production-scale modules, from interfacial chemistry to closed-loop recycling — it is a long road, and it needs more people walking it.