The Institute for Ocean Engineering at the Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS), Tsinghua University has vacancies for PhD candidates to join the Autonomous & Intelligent Marine System (AIMS) Lab. The main topic of the PhD is to numerically and experimentally investigate automation and digitalization in intelligent marine robotics and complex marine operations. The position is open and flexible, successful candidates can discuss and make an interesting research plan with the supervisor (Prof. Zhengru Ren) under the scope of the interdisciplinary research group.
l The research will take place at Tsinghua University’s SIGS, located in Shenzhen, China.
l The research group will evaluate the student’s performance annually and provide financial aid (covering more than half of the tuition and accommodation fee) to outstanding students.
l It is strongly recommended to contract with the supervisor before the formal application in the online system. A several-week pre-examination will be given to selected applicants, and the successful applicants will be recommended to fill out the formal application.
l All positions are open until filled.
If you have any questions about the position, please contact Prof. Zhengru Ren (zhengru.ren@sz.tsinghua.edu.cn) and CC Ms. Simin Xu (xusimin@sz.tsinghua.edu.cn).
Tsinghua University
Tsinghua is a dynamic global university renowned for its high-quality teaching and research, and its spirit of social commitment. With an enduring dedication to excellence and innovation, Tsinghua is committed to inspiring future global leaders. The university is a hub for learning and discovery and helps pave the way for research and innovation in China and the world. Tsinghua is consistently ranked among the very best universities in the world by the most respected international university rankings (for example, ranking 1st in Asia and 14th in the 2023 QS World University Rankings).
SIGS @ Tsinghua
Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (Tsinghua SIGS) was launched in March 2019. As Tsinghua University’s sole campus outside of Beijing, Tsinghua SIGS is a further expansion and integration of the Tsinghua Graduate School at Shenzhen and the Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute. SIGS aims at bringing together world-class faculty members and postgraduate students, tackling global challenges through cutting-edge research and international collaborations, nurturing the next generations of global leaders. SIGS is committed to serving economic and social development in Shenzhen, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, and beyond. Our mission is to reshape graduate education as well as research and development to better serve local, national, regional, and global sustainable development. Tsinghua SIGS will nurture the next generations of global leaders, tackle global challenges through international collaborations, and facilitate interdisciplinary research and industrial partnerships.
Shenzhen is a young tropical city of innovation and vitality, which is located in the south of China with warm rainy weather all year around. It has transformed from a mere town into an economically thriving city with impressive growth in a mere three decades. Now, Shenzhen has become China’s tech hub and one of the only four Tier 1 cities with a GDP of more than 3 trillion yuan.
AIMS Lab @ SIGS
The Autonomous & Intelligent Marine System (AIMS) Lab is made up of a team of smart young researchers who are passionate about Ocean Engineering. We have 3 postdocs, 6 PhD candidates, and 5 master students. The research team focuses on automation and digitalization in intelligent marine robotics and complex marine operations, especially on marine surface vessels, oil and gas, and offshore wind turbines. Currently, the research focuses are the development of remote and unmanned systems for marine operations.
About the position
The majority of Chinese full-time doctoral programs give four years for research. Applicants from Europe and some other countries may be unfamiliar with the Chinese PhD education model. In several European countries, PhD students are seen as employees and have work contracts. In China, the PhD programs are more similar to those in the US, where students are not employed.
We highly want self-motivated talents to join the research team and participate in the exciting research. The team has an equitable and competitive academic environment. Therefore, a feasible research plan will be given to each student to quickly get his/her first publication and form basic academic confidence in the first year; More freedom will be given later to help strengthen their creativity, which is crucial in their future academic life.
Successful applicants will join a team managed by Prof. Zhengru Ren, at the Institute for Ocean Engineering, SIGS, Tsinghua University. We believe that “What’s your difference makes you great”! The special strength of the research team is the interdisciplinary of mathematics and mechanics. Unlike the other research teams, we hope the students can have a deep enough understanding of both hydrodynamics and automation. A student with a mechanics background (e.g., Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering) is required to learn automation and data science; while a student with, e.g., an Automation and Electrical Engineering background should be proficient in hydrodynamics. We aim to understand the ocean and solve the REAL problems in practical projects.
Scholarships
At present, Tsinghua University mainly provides the following scholarships for outstanding prospective full-time international graduate students.
l Candidates can apply for a Chinese Government Scholarship via Tsinghua University or embassy in their home country.
l Admitted students will have opportunities to apply for a Tuition Scholarship which will cover full or partial of their tuition.
l SIGS also offers different assistantships for outstanding students: teaching assistants and research assistants.
l The research group will evaluate the student’s performance annually and provide financial aid (covering more than half of the tuition and accommodation fee) to outstanding students.
Accommodation is provided for all full-time graduate students (1000 RMB/month for a single bedroom and 500 RMB/month for double bedrooms).
Required selection criteria
· You must have completed or will obtain the nationally recognized master's degree before THU graduate student registration date of 2025 in ocean engineering, marine technology, automation, mathematics, robotics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, data science, or relevant realms.
· Chinese is NOT mandatory. You are fluent in English, have excellent academic writing skills, and have a good track record of publications in field-leading journals is preferred.
· Ability and willingness to work in inter- and transdisciplinary teams.
Application
First-round application deadline will be December 2024 and application deadline for 2025 cohort will be May 31, 2025. It is recommended to contact the PhD supervisor as soon as possible.
Please note that if you would like to apply for any scholarships (e.g. Chinese Government Scholarship), we recommend that you aim to have your application complete and submitted by December 2024.
The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in Chinese or English. Please send all the supporting documents to zhengru.ren@sz.tsinghua.edu.cn and CC to xusimin@sz.tsinghua.edu.cn, with the title “Name – PhD application”.
l CV;
l Cover letter (1-page maximum) which includes motivation for the PhD study and evidence of previous laboratory and researcher team experience;
l Transcripts and diplomas for bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
l A copy of the master thesis, if available.
l Supporting documents (publications in journals and conferences, awards in early study, etc.).
l Name and contact information of referees.
Tsinghua University: https://www.tsinghua.edu.cn/en/
Tsinghua SIGS: https://www.sigs.tsinghua.edu.cn/en/
The PI’s personal website: https://www.sigs.tsinghua.edu.cn/rzr_en
https://www.zhengru.ren/
Graduate admissions and financial aids: https://yz.tsinghua.edu.cn/en/
