Undergraduate

(Always open to HKUST UG Students)

For HKUST undergraduate students interested in our lab, please send me your transcripts and CV (highlighting your area of expertise), along with your available research schedule, either by email or by visiting my office (Room 2450). You may join us through the university’s UROP program (depending on the available quota) or other arrangements. Group applications are also welcome.

MPhil

(1-2 vacancy for local/international students: Fall 2025)

For local and international students with a CGPA of 3.4 or higher: If you are interested in pursuing an MPhil, please send your CV to me by email or visit my office (Room 2450) with a printed copy of your CV. Upon enrollment, a full scholarship (approximately 19,000 HKD/month) will be provided during your MPhil studies.

PhD

(1 vacancy: Fall 2025, should meet the criteria of HKFPS)

Highly self-motivated students with strong engineering backgrounds and a keen interest in science are welcome to apply for the PhD program. Candidates should typically meet the criteria for the Hong Kong Ph.D. Fellowship (HKPFS). Qualified and interested candidates, please contact Prof. Shen with a research statement, a complete CV, and the contact information of your referees. We will reach out within two weeks if you pass the first-round screening. Please understand that we may not be able to respond to all emails due to the high volume of applications.

***Please read the following words carefully before you submit your application***

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

  • Bachelor degree in a first-class university;
  • For local and international applicant: First-class honor;
  • For mainland applicant: At least one National Scholarship & Minimum of one year research or competetion team experience during the Bachelor’s period; for Master’s student, at least one top publication additionally;
  • Interested in science;
  • Self-motivation;
  • Self-confidence and courage;
  • Good communication skills;
  • Entrepreneurship;
  • Most importantly: Integrity.

To conduct excellent research, you must be prepared to challenge the unknown, learn continuously, face numerous failures, and endure loneliness, poverty, and frustration. A Ph.D. does not guarantee a steady job, and you may not even graduate if you do not achieve a high academic level. Conversely, many people thrive—often better—without a Ph.D.

If your goal is simply to acquire specific engineering skills, pursuing a career in industry might be the smarter choice, as a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree is often sufficient for that purpose. If you are only seeking a Ph.D. certificate, be aware that you may find yourself struggling in work that does not interest you for the rest of your life.

My sincere advice is to avoid pursuing a Ph.D. unless you have a genuine love for science and can find joy in the often tedious process of exploration.

As a Ph.D. student in my lab, you will undergo rigorous scientific training, which includes, but is not limited to:

  • Hands-on Skills: Building your own research platform.
  • Multi-disciplinary Knowledge: Covering areas such as Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and Materials Science.
  • Paper Reading: Reviewing at least 1,000 papers before graduation.
  • Writing: Completing numerous revisions for each manuscript.
  • Academic Reporting/Presentation: Presenting almost every week.
  • Soft Skills: Developing courage, communication, and management abilities.
  • Critical Thinking: Engaging in critical analysis at all times.

Moreover, even if you accomplish all of the above, you still face the risk of not becoming a well-recognized expert in your research field, which is essential for obtaining a Ph.D. and securing a job after graduation.

So, please don’t contact me if you are not ready. This will be beneficial for both of us. Thanks.
 

More references may help you to decide if you are suitable for and how to do a Ph.D.:

[1] FAQ for Ph.D. students [Link](by Prof. Vincent)
[2] You and Your Research [Link] (by Richard Hamming)
[3] A Ph.D. is not enough [ENG][中文] (by Peter J. FeIbelman)
[4] 研究生如何夯实成功科研生涯的基础(in Chinese) [Article][PPT] (冯长根,《科技导报》)
[5] Search the keywords (e.g., Ph.D., Research, Scientists, etc) through the internet by yourself
[6] Ask ChatGPT by yourself

Postdoc

(1 vacancy: should be eligible for PDFS)

Due to funding constraints, we will only consider candidates eligible for the RGC Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme (Aug-Oct, FDFS), which typically requires outstanding academic achievements and several top-tier publications.

Interested candidates should send their CV, a list of publications, a research statement, and contact information for at least three references to Prof. Shen for further discussion. We will reach out within two weeks if you pass the first-round screening.