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​Areas of current recruiting interest (candidate must satisfy at least one):
i) polymer synthesis: hydrogels, polyelectrolytes, polymer composites
ii) stretchable/gel electronics
iii) sensors: physical, chemical, biological
iv) mechanical energy harvesting
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A) Postdoc Fellow / Associate Research Scientist:
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I. Requirements:
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- PhD in Materials, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, or related disciplines
- Application package should be sent to <derekho{at}cityu.edu.hk>, including:
1) Cover letter
2) Research statement
3) CV with publication list
4) PDFs of first-author publications
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II. Hong Kong ITC Postdoctoral Hub:
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For postdoc applicants eligible to be hired under the Hong Kong ITC Postdoctoral Hub (graduated from top 100 institutions worldwide from qualified disciplines or from a Hong Kong university), salary can reach $35000/month with a residence allowance of $10000/month (i.e., a total of $45000/month). If this applies to you, please state clearly the discipline and rank in cover letter/email.
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B) Research Assistant (in AI only):
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- Separate new projects available in AI chatbots, image analysis, and student-coaching platforms
- Experience developing AI applications (please showcase in a brief portfolio)
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C) PhD Student (recruiting for Sep 2026 entry):
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All graduate students are admitted through the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) (sg@cityu.edu.hk). For admission requirements, please consult the SGS website and SGS Admission Handbook. Admission success is highly based on GPA and publication record.
I. Requirements:
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1. English (non-negotiable):
Test scores (minimum TOFEL = 79, or IELTS = 6.5, or CET6 = 490) [test taken within 2 years]
- e.g.: IELTS 8, taken more than 2 years ago. Fail.
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2. Academics:
- At least one university degree must be from 211 universities (Double First-Class much more competitive).
- If 211, GPA must be > 85. If 985 or high-rank international universities, GPA must be > 80.
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3. Research:
At least one first-author published or accepted journal paper.
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Meeting above requirements does not guarantee admission. However, to avoid mutually wasting time, not meeting the requirements (especially English) need not apply.
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II. Required Information Sent to PI:
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Interested candidates should contact the PI before early November with the following as separate email attachments (no URLs, no zip files) to <derekho{at}cityu.edu.hk>. Complete information will receive quicker reply.
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1) English test score (explicitly state test taken within 2 years). Contact PI only after passed English.
2) BS and MS transcripts of all (including incomplete) degrees. Clearly state GPA scale, e.g. /100, /4, or /4.3.
3) CV with publication list.
4) 1st-author publication samples, in PDF format.
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III. Official Deadlines:
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PhD admission deadline is in early December for admission to the following year's fall semester. See required application documents.
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HKPFS: observe SGS deadline, usually December 1, but official on-line application by mid November is highly recommended. All applicants who pass IELTS should apply through the HKPFS route, which is considered for the normal PhD admission process as well (no need to apply separately).
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Main Round: observe SGS deadline, submission by mid November is highly recommended (and will likely maximize your chance).
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IV. Financial Support:
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Strong applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for the prestigious Hong Kong PhD fellowship. Applicants who do not obtain HKPFS are considered for main round using the same application.
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HKPFS: HKPFS provides an annual stipend of HK $340K (~US $45,000/yr) and a conference travel allowance per year for a period of up to three years.
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Main round: Standard CityU studentship offers a monthly stipend of HK ~$19,500/month (US ~$32,000/yr) to all successful candidates.
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V. Additional Prestigous Admission Schemes:
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(1) CityUHK Presidential Research Award (CPRA) [2025 New]
- have *graduated* with a *Bachelor* from PekingU, TsinghuaU, or top 10 U’s worldwide
- GPA >75/100
- 4yr PhD + 3 yr postdoc (eligible to apply for HKPR upon completion)
- stipend $340K+/yr
- application opens year-round​
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(2) Top Universities Studentship Scheme (TUSS) [2025 New]
- have *graduated* with a *Bachelor* from C9, UCAS, or top 20 U’s worldwide
- GPA >75/100
- stipend $240K/yr
- application opens year-round​​​
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