Post-doctoral Fellow positions in Professor Hongjie Dai’s lab

Postdoctoral and Ph.D positions in Professor Hongjie Dai’s lab at the University of Hong Kong, Department of Chemistry.

Professor Hongjie Dai (formerly Jackson-Wood Professor of Chemistry at Stanford University) recently joined HKU as a Chair Professor in the Chemistry Department with joint appointments in HKU Engineering and the Medical School. Multiple positions are available for postdoctoral fellows and graduate students/PhD candidates work in the broad areas of materials chemistry and nanoscience for renewable energy, bioengineering and nanomedicine. The group’s research programs will be highly interdisciplinary and collaborative with other groups in the School of Science, Engineering and Medicine at HKU as well as leading groups in the Greater Bay Area.

Specific research topics will include (but not limited to) the following.

1. Nanomaterials research:

• Synthesis of novel nanomaterials in 0D (nanoparticles, quantum dots), 1D (wires and tubes) and 2D (sheets) with interesting physical, physiochemical and catalytic properties.
• Spectroscopy and Microscopy characterization using advanced analytical tools.

2. New materials for renewable energy research:

• Electrocatalysis for water splitting including seawater.
• Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction to value added products with high selectivity.
• New materials development for solving environmental and energy problems.
• Develop new generations of rechargeable batteries.
• Al based batteries.
• Rechargeable Li/Cl2 and Na/Cl2 batteries.
• Batteries using non-flammable electrolytes, including ionic liquid, polymer and solid state electrolytes.

3. Nanomedicine and bioengineering research:

• Organic synthesis of new dye molecules for fluorescence imaging in the NIR-II/SWIR (1000-3000 nm) window.
• Synthesis of nanoparticles/nanocrystals for NIR-II/SWIR emission.
• Developing genetically engineered NIR emitting fluorescent proteins.
• Develop new optical imaging techniques integrating 1-, 2- and 3- photon detections in the visible and NIR-II/SWIR.
• Molecular imaging of preclinical mouse models of diseases (including cancer, cardiovascular, brain/neurological, etc.) in vivo.
• In vivo Imaging of immune responses to immunotherapy and vaccinations.
• Nanovaccine development for cancer immunity and infectious diseases.
• Towards clinical translation of NIR-II/SWIR imaging for perfusion, lymph node mapping, immunotherapy, photodynamic therapy and imaging guided surgery.

Candidates with strong background in chemistry, applied physics, materials science/chemical engineering/ bioengineering and medicine are encouraged to apply for these positions. Send your inquiry to [email protected] with CV, research experience/accomplishments and names of three references.

A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, in addition to annual leave and medical benefits. At current rates, salaries tax does not exceed 15% of gross income.

The University only accepts online applications for the above post. Applicants should apply online and upload an up-to-date C.V. Review of applications will commence as soon as possible and continue until 31 December 2024, or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier.