Summary
The DELTA (Data-driven Environmental Laboratory for Technology and Analytics) Water Lab, led by Dr. Jinyue (Jerry) Jiang, invites applications for PhD students and a postdoctoral researcher to join the lab at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). The lab develops AI-driven tools and models to understand and improve water systems, focusing on net-zero water, smart water, and circular water solutions. Positions are expected to start in January 2027 (other start months may be possible) and will be filled on a rolling basis.
Designation
- PhD students: one or two positions
- Postdoctoral researcher: one position
Key Details
| Position | Number | Expected Start | Funding / Salary | Location | Application Deadline | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD student | 1–2 | Jan / May / Sep 2027 | Full scholarship; stipend HK$19,220/month (strong candidates encouraged to apply for HKPFS or PolyU Presidential PhD Fellowship up to HK$28,700/month) | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Dept. of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong | Rolling — open until filled | Email jjian128@asu.edu • Official post |
| Postdoctoral researcher | 1 | Jan 2027 | HK$30,000–40,000/month | PolyU, Dept. of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong | Rolling — open until filled | Email jjian128@asu.edu • Official post |
Research Areas
- Net-zero water — Geospatial, thermodynamic and techno-economic / life-cycle (TEA/LCA) modeling of electrified water processes and their energy and carbon impacts.
- Smart water — Predictive, generative and agentic AI for water systems, emphasizing reliable and explainable models and tools to support environmental decision-making and sustainable AI infrastructure.
- Circular water — Research on water reuse, resource recovery and unconventional water sources, spanning treatment processes through community-scale infrastructure.
Explore the lab’s broader research themes and publications for project ideas and context.
Location
Positions are based at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) in Hong Kong, within the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The lab emphasizes a collaborative environment with access to computational resources and conference travel support.
Eligibility / Qualification
- PhD applicants: Hold, or be near completion of, a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, GIS, Sustainable Energy, or related disciplines.
- Postdoctoral applicants: Hold, or be near completion of, a PhD in a relevant field and demonstrate the ability to develop independent research, publish, and contribute to collaborative projects.
- Desirable strengths: strong quantitative foundation, curiosity, clear reasoning, teamwork and communication skills. Experience with large language models, chemical language models, machine learning, geospatial analysis, process modeling, or TEA/LCA is useful but not mandatory—interest and potential matter most.
Scholarship Description & Benefits
- PhD funding: Standard full scholarship with a monthly stipend of HK$19,220. Strong candidates are encouraged to apply for external/competitive fellowships such as the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) or the PolyU Presidential PhD Fellowship Scheme (PPPFS), which may provide higher stipends (up to around HK$28,700/month) and additional support.
- Postdoc salary: HK$30,000–40,000 per month, depending on experience and qualifications.
- Additional support: Access to GPUs and computational resources, support for AI model usage and API tokens, conference travel funding, and a supportive environment for professional growth.
How to Apply
To apply, email the following to jjian128@asu.edu:
- Your CV (include education, publications, relevant experience)
- A short statement of research interests (concise description of the direction you wish to pursue and relevant experience — no need for long proposals)
- Optional: links to sample work, GitHub, or relevant outputs
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a brief online interview. Please show your own thinking in the outreach email; while the lab practices responsible AI use, personal insight is valued.
Applicant Resources & Notes
- Formal admission for PhD candidates is through PolyU’s research postgraduate application process. See PolyU guidance for application periods and admission requirements.
- Fellowships such as the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme and PolyU Presidential PhD Fellowship have separate application deadlines and procedures — applicants are encouraged to consult the university pages for details.
- Undergraduates interested in URIS (undergraduate research) projects starting Jan. 2027 may also contact the lab to discuss short-term research opportunities.
Last Date for Apply
Positions are open on a rolling basis and will remain available until filled. For university fellowship deadlines (if applying for HKPFS or PolyU Presidential fellowships), check PolyU’s official fellowship pages for the specific deadlines that may apply.
Apply Link
Contact: jjian128@asu.edu
Official lab announcement: https://dh2o.org/openings/
PolyU fellowship and application resources:
- PolyU fellowship & scholarship schemes
- PolyU research postgraduate application periods
- PolyU admission requirements
The DELTA Water Lab welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and is committed to fostering an inclusive research environment. If your interests align with computational and systems-oriented water research, we encourage you to reach out.
