Join Us

Join Mevita Robotics Lab

We welcome highly motivated students and researchers who are interested in robotics. Openings are available depending on funding, quota, project needs, and first-round screening results.

Open Positions

Current opportunities

We consider applicants based on research fit, academic preparation, available quota, funding, and interview results. Due to limited quota and many inquiries, only shortlisted applicants may receive a response.

Undergraduate

UROP / FYP research opportunities

Year-round for HKUST undergraduate students

HKUST undergraduate students may apply through UROP, FYP, or project-based research opportunities throughout the year. Please send the application materials to Prof. Shen by email. Offers depend on available lab spots and interview results.

Application materials: transcript, CV with highlighted skills, research objectives, and dedicated weekly working time.
Complete applications are usually reviewed within three days. Applicants suitable for further discussion may be invited for an interview.
Important: Applicants should be committed to sustained research effort rather than short exploratory participation.
MPhil

MPhil openings

0–2 openings for local and international students: Fall 2027

Applicants should normally have First Class Honors, MCGA > 3.6, and FYP/FYT grade A or A+, or notable experience and skills demonstrated through contests, research projects, or engineering projects. Students who have performed well in UROP or FYP projects in our lab will receive higher priority.

Application materials: transcript, CV highlighting area of expertise, and a research proposal.
We will contact shortlisted applicants within two weeks if vacancies are available and the applicant passes the first-round screening.
Ph.D.

Ph.D. openings

0–2 openings: Fall 2027

Applicants should be highly self-motivated, have a strong engineering background, a genuine interest in science, and meet the eligibility criteria for the Hong Kong Ph.D. Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) .

Application materials: research statement, complete CV, and contact information of 2–3 referees.
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted within two weeks only when vacancies are available, the first-round screening is passed, and all required materials are complete. Due to the high volume of applications and limited quota, incomplete applications or general inquiries may not receive a response.
Important: Please carefully read the Ph.D. applicant notes below before sending an inquiry. Read the notes →
Postdoc

Postdoctoral opportunities

RGC Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme application period: July, every year

Given current funding limitations, postdoctoral applications are mainly considered for candidates eligible for the RGC Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme , which is typically open for application around July each year.

Requirements: Candidates should have outstanding academic achievements, a strong first-author publication record, several top-tier publications, and clear alignment with the lab’s research directions.
Application materials: CV, publication list, research statement, and contact information for at least three references. The Ph.D. supervisor should be included as one of the referees.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within two weeks only when the first-round screening is passed and all required materials are complete. Due to limited funding and a high volume of inquiries, incomplete applications or general postdoctoral inquiries may not receive a response.
Ph.D. Applicants

Read carefully before applying

A Ph.D. is a demanding research path. Applicants should think carefully before applying and make sure they are prepared for scientific uncertainty, long-term commitment, repeated failure, and rigorous training.

1. Basic criteria for first-round screening

Local and international applicants: First-Class Honors, research achievements, and clear research potential.
Mainland applicants: 1–2 National Scholarships during the bachelor’s program at a First-Class University, plus either more than one year of research / competition experience with achievements for bachelor’s students, or top publications for master’s students.
Personal qualities: interest in science, self-motivation, self-confidence, courage, good communication skills, entrepreneurship, and most importantly, integrity.

2. Are you ready to dedicate yourself to research?

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.

If your goal is simply to acquire specific engineering skills, pursuing a career in industry may 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, you may find yourself struggling in work that does not interest you for the rest of your life.

⚠ Important Note
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.

3. What will Ph.D. life be like in the lab?

Ph.D. students in the lab will undergo rigorous scientific training, including but not limited to:

Hands-on skills: Building your own research platform.
Multidisciplinary 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 progress almost every week.
Soft skills: Developing courage, communication, and management abilities.
Critical thinking: Engaging in critical analysis at all times.

Hard work is only the most basic requirement. Even if you meet all expectations, there is still a risk that you may not become a recognized expert in your field, which is essential for obtaining a Ph.D. and securing employment after graduation.

⚠ Important Note
Therefore, once again, do not pursue a Ph.D. unless you truly love science. Only with genuine passion can you embrace the risks involved.

4. Are you a good fit for a Ph.D. program?

Before reaching out, applicants are strongly encouraged to read widely and think carefully about whether a Ph.D. is the right path. The following references may be helpful:

[1] FAQ for Ph.D. students · by Prof. Vincent Link →
[2] You and Your Research · by Richard Hamming Link → 中文提炼版 →
[3] A Ph.D. is not enough · by Peter J. Feibelman ENG → 中文提炼版 →
[4] 研究生如何夯实成功科研生涯的基础 · 冯长根，《科技导报》 Article → PPT →
[5] 施一公转给所有学生：你应该怎么做科研？ · 施一公、蒲慕明 Link →
[6] Search independently · Search keywords such as Ph.D., research, scientists, scientific career, and graduate research training through the internet by yourself.
[7] Ask AI by yourself · Use AI tools to understand what a Ph.D. requires, what academic research involves, and whether this path fits your long-term goals.
⚠ Important Note
Please make sure you have carefully reviewed all the information above before reaching out.