[ES_JOBS_NET] 2-3 fully funded PhD students, HKUST

[Christine Wiedinmyer]

We are recruiting 2-3 fully funded PhD students to join our lab (PI: Prof.
Shi Chen) at the Division of Environment and Sustainability (ENVR) at
HKUST. Our research centers on developing actionable solutions for the
global transition to net-zero emissions, with a particular focus on energy
systems, and their interactions with natural systems and policy.
Integrating multidisciplinary and spatiotemporal quantitative methods, our
interest spans global and local scales to address climate challenges and
provide actionable decision-support tools for stakeholders.
*Fully-funded PhD Student Position (Spring or Fall 2026 Entry, 2-3
positions available)*
Preferred qualification

   - Strong self-motivation, curiosity, and analytical skills
   - Proficiency in at least one mainstream programming language
   - Experience in modeling or optimization of electricity, energy, complex
   or integrated systems, and/or geographic information systems (GIS)
   analysis, and/or life-cycle analysis
   - Comfort with integrating tools and approaches from multiple disciplines
   - Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, team-oriented
   mindset

Potential research directions include: renewable energy systems, synergies
and trade-offs across sectors, energy supply chain and investment, and
global and local sustainability policy. We welcome applicants from diverse
academic backgrounds who are passionate about sustainability-oriented
research. Candidates must also fulfill other requirements set by HKUST.
*The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)*
Outstanding applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for the prestigious
HKPFS. The Fellowship provides an annual stipend of HK$337,200
(approximately US$43,230) and a conference and research-related travel
allowance of HK$14,000 (approximately US$1,790) per year.
*How to apply*
Please email Prof. Shi Chen (*shichen at ust.hk <shichen at ust.hk>*) with a
single PDF containing: (1) CV; (2) transcript; (3) cover letter (1-2 pages)
outlining your research experience, skills, and future interests; (4)
contact information for three references. Please state your name and the
position (e.g., [Your Name] – [PhD Application]) in the email subject
line. *For
Spring 2026 entry, early submission is strongly encouraged*. Applications
will be reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled.
*About the PI*
Prof. Chen earned her Ph.D. at Tsinghua University and completed
postdoctoral training at Tsinghua, Carnegie Science, and Stanford
University, with further research experience at Harvard University and
IIASA, as well as industry experience at LONGi (China) and StarTimes
(Kenya). She has secured competitive research fundings from the National
Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), China’s National Postdoctoral
Program for Innovative Talents, and Princeton University. Her first-author
publications appear in journals such as PNAS, Joule, One Earth,
Communications Earth & Environment, and Environmental Research Letters,
with her work being widely cited and highlighted by international peers.
Prof. Chen is the recipient of several honors, including MIT Technology
Review’s “35 Innovators Under 35 China” and the Environmental Defense
Fund’s Climate Corps Innovation Award.
*About HKUST*
Founded in 1991, HKUST is a young yet top-ranked university (QS 44th, THE
66th for 2025). Our campus in Clear Water Bay is often recognized as one of
the most beautiful in Asia, offering stunning sea views and a peaceful
atmosphere. At the same time, the vibrant city life of Hong Kong is just a
short ride away, providing students access to rich cultural experiences and
abundant opportunities.
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