Join the LENS Lab

The LENS Lab develops monolithically stacked perovskite multijunction devices, combining multimodal characterisation, photonic design, and scalable fabrication to push the efficiency and stability limits of solar cells, solar fuels, and image sensors.

We are recruiting at all levels — postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, and Master’s and undergraduate research associates — and welcome applications from candidates with backgrounds in materials science, physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, optoelectronics, or related fields.

All positions are fully funded. We also fully support international academic exchange, including visiting scholarships at partner institutions and funding for conference travels, to help group members build their own international networks.

Postdoctoral Researchers

Start date: Flexible, immediately available. Duration: Three years, fully funded.

Role. Postdoctoral researchers in the LENS Lab will lead independent research within the group’s directions — multijunction photovoltaics, interface engineering, device stability, solar fuels, or novel multilayer optoelectronic devices. The position is structured to support transition toward an independent academic or industrial career.

Responsibilities:

  • Plan and carry out an independent research programme aligned with one or more of the group’s research directions.
  • Design and execute experiments, develop new methodologies, and critically interpret experimental and computational results.
  • Disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications and at international conferences.
  • Co-supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students in the group.
  • Contribute to scientific discussions across the group and to the writing of proposals, reports, and publications.
  • Participate in maintaining laboratory infrastructure and contribute to the development of shared experimental capabilities.

Required qualifications:

  • PhD (obtained or close to completion) in materials science, physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, optoelectronics, or a closely related discipline.
  • Strong track record of high-quality publications.
  • Demonstrated experience in one or more of: optoelectronic device fabrication, semiconductor materials synthesis, thin-film characterisation, device physics, electrochemistry, or simulation and modelling.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication in English.
  • Ability to direct independent research and interpret results critically.

Benefits:

  • Total annual package up to RMB 570,000, depending on background and eligibility for university and provincial talent programmes.
  • Eligibility for the National Postdoctoral Innovation Talent Programme, Guangdong Provincial Postdoctoral Programme, and other talent programmes (programme support can be stacked with the group package).
  • Postdoctoral apartment on campus or housing allowance.
  • Full medical insurance, social insurance, and housing fund contributions on the same terms as SCUT academic staff.
  • Children of postdocs are eligible to attend SCUT-affiliated kindergartens and primary/secondary schools.
  • Dedicated funding for international conference travel and research visits to collaborating groups abroad.
  • Strong postdocs are eligible for priority consideration for SCUT research-track and tenure-track positions.

PhD Students

Duration: Four years, fully funded.

We welcome applications from motivated candidates interested in pursuing a PhD in optoelectronic devices, materials chemistry, interface engineering, or related topics.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop and carry out an original research project under the supervision of the PI, leading toward a doctoral thesis.
  • Design and execute experiments, analyse and interpret data, and present results in group meetings, written reports, and at conferences.
  • Author and co-author peer-reviewed publications arising from the research.
  • Participate actively in group meetings, scientific discussions, and the day-to-day life of the laboratory.
  • Maintain and contribute to shared laboratory infrastructure.
  • Where appropriate, mentor undergraduate or rotating students.

Required qualifications:

  • Meets SCUT’s standard requirements for doctoral student admission.
  • Background in materials science, physics, chemistry, optoelectronics, or a closely related field.
  • Prior experience in optoelectronic device fabrication, device physics, or semiconductor materials characterisation is advantageous but not required.
  • Good reading and writing skills in English, with a clear understanding of the fundamentals and frontiers of the field.
  • Strong commitment to academic integrity, scientific rigour, and collaborative work.

Benefits:

  • Fully funded PhD position including stipend on SCUT standard terms.
  • Training in materials processing, device fabrication, characterisation, data analysis, scientific writing, and independent project development.
  • Active support for international conference attendance and visiting scholarships at partner institutions abroad.
  • Access to the full shared infrastructure of the State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices.

Master’s and Undergraduate Students

Motivated Master’s and undergraduate students interested in hands-on research experience are welcome to apply. All research positions are funded, with support for conference travel where appropriate.

The LENS Lab is committed to providing an open, supportive, and intellectually stimulating environment. We work with each student individually to align research projects with their interests and career goals, and to support both their personal and academic development.

Interested students should describe their background, available time commitment, and what they hope to learn or accomplish during their time in the group.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send the following as a single PDF to wjk090426@scut.edu.cn (subject line: Application: [Position] – [Your Name]):

  • Curriculum vitae, including education background and research experience, research interests, representative publications, and contact details for referees.
  • Research statement (maximum two pages) describing your background, why you are interested in the LENS Lab, and what you would like to work on.
  • Names and contact details of two referees (for postdoctoral applicants).
  • Transcripts (for Master’s and Undergraduate applicants).

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview — we appreciate your understanding. This recruitment notice is open year-round.

Why Guangzhou and SCUT

A leading materials science institution. SCUT is one of China’s top research universities, and the State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices provides access to advanced materials synthesis and characterisation infrastructure.

A vibrant international city. Guangzhou is one of China’s most modern and open cities — a major international hub with excellent connectivity, affordable living, and a strong technology ecosystem. The Greater Bay Area hosts many of the world’s leading optoelectronics and energy companies, providing excellent opportunities for industrial collaboration and career mobility.

International collaboration. The LENS Lab maintains active links with leading research groups in Europe, North America, and elsewhere, and actively supports group members in developing their own international networks through joint research, visiting scholarships, and conference travel.