The Institute for Ocean Engineering at the Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University has vacancies for PhD candidates to join Prof. Qian Chen’s lab. The main scope of the PhD is to numerically and experimentally investigate methods, technologies and theories for seawater desalination and multipurpose utilization. The position is open and flexible, and successful candidates can discuss and make an interesting research plan with the supervisor (Prof. Qian Chen) under the scope of the research group. The research will take place at Tsinghua University’s Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS), located in Shenzhen, China. All positions are open until filled.
If you have any questions about the position, please contact Prof. Qian Chen (qian.chen@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 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 located outside of Beijing, Tsinghua SIGS is a further expansion and integration of the Tsinghua Graduate School at Shenzhen (GSST) and the Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute (TBSI). 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.
Chen’s lab @ SIGS
Successful applicants will join a team managed by Prof. Qian Chen, at the Institute for Ocean Engineering, SIGS, Tsinghua University. Chen’s lab has 2 postdocs, 4 PhD candidates, and 7 master students. The research team focuses on thermal methods for seawater desalination and multipurpose utilization. Existing research topics include membrane distillation, spray flash evaporation, solar still, seawater evaporative cooling and zero liquid discharge desalination.
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. 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.
We believe that “what’s your difference make you great”. Students will need to having deep enough understanding toward thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer principles and numerical simulation methodologies.
Scholarships
At present, Tsinghua University mainly provides the following scholarships for outstanding prospective full-time international graduate students.
Candidates can apply for Chinese Government Scholarship via Tsinghua University or embassy in your home country.
Admitted students will have opportunities to apply for Tuition Scholarship which will cover full or partial of their tuition.
SIGS also offers different assistantship for outstanding students: teaching assistant and research assistant.
In addition, for outstanding students, our research group will provide financial aid package to partially cover the tuition and accommodation fee.
Accommodation is provided for all full-time graduate students (1000 RMB/month for 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 thermal engineering, fluid dynamics or chemical engineering.
Chinese is NOT mandatory. You are fluent in English and 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 qian.chen@sz.tsinghua.edu.cn, with the title “Name – PhD application”.
CV;
Cover letter (1 page maximum) which includes motivation for the PhD study and evidence of previous laboratory and researcher team experience;
Transcripts and diplomas for bachelor and master's degrees.
A copy of the master thesis, if available.
Supporting documents (publications in journals and conferences, awards in early study, etc.).
Name and contact information of referees.
Pre-examination will be given before application in system.
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/cq2_en
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=_NjEINkAAAAJ&hl=en
Graduate admissions and financial aids: https://yz.tsinghua.edu.cn/en/
