PhD & postdoctoral openings

Research Fit

Dr. Jinyue (Jerry) Jiang will join The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in January 2027. DELTA (Data-driven Environmental Laboratory for Technology and Analytics) Water Lab develops AI tools and models to understand water systems and improve how they operate. Our work roots frontier computational methods in real-world water sector challenges, and seeks to develop reliable and responsible solutions for our global water future.

Our current research spans three connected areas:

• Net-zero water. Geospatial, thermodynamic and TEA/LCA modeling of electrified water processes and their energy and carbon implications.
• Smart water. Predictive, generative and agentic AI for water research and practice, including reliable, explainable models and tools for environmental decision-making. We also study water technologies that support sustainable AI infrastructure.
• Circular water. Water reuse, resource recovery and unconventional water sources, from treatment processes to the infrastructure connecting communities.

Explore our research themes and publications to learn more about the lab.

PhD students

We are hiring one or two Ph.D. student(s), with expected starting date of Jan./May./Sep. 2027. Applicants should hold, or are close to completing, a Bachelor’s or Master Degree in a relevant field (including but not limited to Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Computer Science, GIS, Sustainable Energy).

Funding: Full scholarship with a stipend of HK$19,220 per month. Strong candidates are encouraged to apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) and PolyU Presidential PhD Fellowship Scheme (PPPFS), which offer higher stipends of up to HK$28,700 per month and additional support.

We welcome applicants interested in developing a research direction at the intersection of water and computation. Relevant backgrounds include environmental engineering, environmental science, chemical engineering, computer science, data science, and related fields.

We value curiosity, a strong quantitative foundation, careful reasoning, and the ability to communicate and work with others. Experience with large language models, chemical language models, machine learning, geospatial analysis, process modeling, or TEA/LCA can be useful, but we care more about interests and potential rather than exact project experience match.

Formal admission is through PolyU’s research postgraduate application process. See the university’s fellowship and scholarship schemes for current funding options, including the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme and PolyU Presidential PhD Fellowship Scheme.

Postdoctoral researchers

Salary: HK$30,000–40,000 per month.

We are looking for one (1) researcher who holds, or are close to completing, a PhD in a relevant field (including but not limited to Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Computer Science, GIS, Sustainable Energy) and want to develop independent work within the lab’s research areas. The expected starting date for this position is Jan. 2027.

Applicants should be able to frame research questions, carry a project through analysis and publication, and contribute to a collaborative research environment. We are particularly interested in experience with AI and machine learning, environmental systems modeling, or water treatment and resource recovery.

What we provide for you

• Computational resources. Ample access to GPUs and support for AI model and API tokens.
• Conference travel support. Support to attend conferences, present your work, exchange ideas and build connections with the wider research community.
• Room to grow. A collaborative, supportive and fun research environment where we share ideas, help each other through challenges, and support your growth as an independent researcher.

How to apply

Email your CV and research interests (no need to go verbose, just your interested direction and relevant experience, if applicable) to [email protected] to apply for a PhD or postdoctoral position. While we encourage responsible AI use in the lab, we kindly ask you to show your own thinking in your reach-out email. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a brief online interview. We appreciate the time and thought you put into contacting us, but may not be able to respond to every inquiry due to limited capacity.

Applicant resources

Check PolyU’s official guidance for application periods, admission requirements, and fellowships and scholarships. University requirements and scholarship deadlines apply separately from initial contact with the lab.

Undergraduate research

PolyU undergraduates interested in a URIS project are also welcome to discuss ideas within the lab’s research scope. We can accommodate undergraduate researchers starting Jan. 2027.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to an inclusive research environment.