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Multiple PhD Openings in Nanotechnology
Sihan Chen Group, Microelectronics Thrust, HKUST(GZ), China
                                               
About the PI:
Dr. Sihan Chen will join the Microelectronics Thrust at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) (HKUST(GZ)) in China in December 2025 as an Assistant Professor. He received his BS degree in Thermal Engineering from Tsinghua University, and MS and PhD degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Before joining HKUST(GZ), he worked as a postdoctoral research associate and a visiting research scientist at UIUC. Dr. Chen’s research focuses on two-dimensional (2D) materials and their integration into electronic and biosensing devices. He has published eight first-author articles in journals including PNAS, Advanced Materials, and Nano Letters.

PI Homepage:
https://facultyprofiles.hkust-gz ... page/CHEN-Sihan/550

Research Vision:
Our group develops atomic-scale platforms for post-silicon computing and biointerfaces. We integrate CMOS with nanomaterials, primarily 2D materials, and leverage atomically precise processes to engineer novel devices and architectures for future information processing and molecular diagnostics. Current research directions include: (i) amorphous 2D materials for post-silicon CMOS and neuromorphic computing, (ii) atomically precise nanopores for nucleic acid and protein sequencing, and (iii) intelligent nanobiosensing systems for point-of-care diagnostics. Collectively, these efforts address critical challenges in sustainability, healthcare, and equitable technology access, redefining how we compute, sense, and interface with the physical and biological worlds.

About HKUST(GZ):
HKUST(GZ), located at the heart of China’s Greater Bay Area, is a rising national hub for science and technology. As the world’s first university with a cross-disciplinary academic framework, it fosters a collaborative environment that drives innovation. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities for device fabrication, characterization, and testing. As an international research university aligned with the academic standards of HKUST, English is the primary language of instruction.

Funding:
All PhD students will receive a full scholarship, which includes a monthly stipend of 15,000 RMB.

Minimum Requirements:
•        Strong academic background in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related field
•        Coursework or project experience in nanotechnology, semiconductor devices, or biosensing

Preferred Qualification:
•        Research experience in 2D materials, micro/nanofabrication, solid-state devices, or biosensors

Application Timeline:
Prospective PhD students may begin their studies in Fall 2025, Spring 2026, or Fall 2026. To be considered for Fall 2025 entry, please apply by July 15 via the university application portal.

Contact:
Interested candidates are encouraged to send their CV and transcript(s) to: schen141 [at] illinois.edu. Please use the subject line format: PhD Application_Your Name_Your Affiliation_Entry Term (e.g., 25Fall, 26Spring). In the email, please briefly address how you meet the minimum requirements and, optionally, the preferred qualifications. Suitable applicants will receive a response within five business days.