Undergraduate

(year-round for HKUST UG students)

For HKUST undergraduate students interested in our lab, you are encouraged to apply for the UROP program. If you missed the application deadline, you may also send your transcripts, CV (highlighting your area of expertise), research objectives, along with your research schedule to Prof. Shen via email (eeyajing@ust.hk). Group applications are also welcome. Offers will depend on the interview results and the available spots in Lab.

MPhil

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

For local and international students with First Class Honor (MCGA>3.6), or notable experience/skills in contests or projects: If you are interested in pursuing an MPhil, please send your transcripts, CV (highlighting your area of expertise), and research proposal to Prof. Shen by email. We will reach out within two weeks if you pass the first-round screening. Upon enrollment, a full scholarship will be provided during your MPhil studies.

PhD

(0 vacancy: Fall 2025; Maxium of 2: Fall 2026)

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:

  • For local and international applicant: First-Class Honor & research achievements and potentials;
  • For mainland applicant: 1-2 National Scholarships during the Bechalor’s program at a First-Class University & >1 year of research or competetion experience with achievements for Bechalor student or TOP publications for Master student;
  • 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 achieve all of the above, there remains the risk of not becoming a recognized expert in your research field—an essential requirement for obtaining a Ph.D. and securing employment after graduation.

So, please do not contact me unless you are fully prepared. This will be beneficial for both of us. Thank you.
 

For more guidance on whether a Ph.D. is suitable for you and how to pursue it, additional references may be helpful:

[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 AI by yourself0 

Postdoc

(1 vacancy: outstanding for PDFS application)

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.