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.

Ph.D.

(Maximum of 2, Only 1 Vacancy Remaining: Fall 2026)

Highly self-motivated students with strong engineering backgrounds and a keen interest in science who meet the eligibility criteria for the Hong Kong Ph.D. Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) are welcome to contact Prof. Shen to apply for the PhD program. Please include a research statement, a complete CV, and the contact information of your referees (2-3 people) in your email. If you pass the first-round screening, we will contact you within two weeks. Kindly note that, due to the high volume of applications, we may not be able to respond to every inquiry – particularly those submitted without complete documentation.
 

Please read the following information and think it over before you submit your application:

1. Applicants should meet the following basic 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 competition experience with achievements for Bachelor’s students || TOP publications for Master’s students);
  • Interested in science;
  • Self-motivation;
  • Self-confidence and courage;
  • Good communication skills;
  • Entrepreneurship;
  • 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. 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.

3. What will your life be like in my Lab?

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.

If you work very hard and accomplish everything mentioned above, can you earn your Ph.D. on time? Unfortunately, hard work is only the most basic requirement – not just in research, but in any career. Even if you meet all the expectations, there is still a risk that you may not be a recognized expert in your research field – the essential requirement for obtaining a Ph.D. and securing employment after graduation. 

Therefore, once again, don’t pursue a Ph.D. unless you truly love science! Only with genuine passion can you embrace the risks involved!

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

For more guidance on whether a Ph.D. is suitable for you and how to pursue it, the following references are helpful:

[1] FAQ for Ph.D. students [Link] (by Prof. Vincent)
[2] You and Your Research [Link] [中文提炼版] (by Richard Hamming)
[3] A Ph.D. is not enough [ENG] [中文提炼版] (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] 施一公转给所有学生：你应该怎么做科研？[Link] (施一公、蒲慕明)
[6] Search the keywords (e.g., Ph.D., Research, Scientists, etc.) through the internet by yourself
[7] Ask AI by yourself

***Please make sure you have carefully reviewed all the information above before reaching out to me.***

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 please send your 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.