Scholarship: Fully-funded
Degree: Bachelor, Master, Ph.D
Nationality: International Students
Location: Hong Kong
Application deadlines: Open
Scholarship Description:
Professor David Srolovitz is an internationally recognized expert in materials theory and computational modeling, focusing on crystal defects, microstructural evolution, and optoelectronic properties of materials. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and a fellow of several professional societies, including the Materials Research Society (MRS) and the American Society for Materials (ASM International). He currently serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Hong Kong.
His “Materials Theory & Computation Group” focuses on three main areas:
- Investigating the structure and thermodynamic properties of material defects, including the effects of grain boundaries and dislocations on mechanical and optoelectronic properties and radiation damage.
- Developing multiscale simulation methods, including first-principles calculations and atomic-scale simulation algorithms for two-dimensional materials, topological materials, and multiphase systems.
- Exploring innovative applications of machine learning in materials science.
The group recruits several Ph.D. students and postdoctoral researchers each year. Positions are categorized into three types based on funding sources:
- Type A: Fully funded by the Hong Kong government, with no costs to the research group. Applications are open year-round, including for the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship and the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme.
- Type B: Partially funded by the Hong Kong government or the University of Hong Kong, with the remainder covered by the research group’s funding. Availability depends on current funding status, typically offering about one Ph.D. position annually and recruiting postdocs mainly through the Hong Kong Scholars Program.
- Type C: Fully supported by the research group’s funding. This type reflects different funding sources and does not indicate the academic potential of applicants. Exceptional candidates may be prioritized for Type C positions if funding allows.
The group applies for multiple research grants annually to support stipends for Ph.D. students and salaries for postdocs. Applications for Type A positions can be submitted anytime, while applicants for Type B and C are encouraged to contact the group in advance. Final hiring decisions depend on the approval of relevant funding.
Available Subjects:
- Materials theory and computation.
Eligibility criteria:
- We welcome passionate Ph.D. students, postdocs, visiting scholars, and collaborators in the field of materials theory and computational materials science to join our team. It is important to note that all research projects in our group focus on theoretical computation, and we do not conduct experimental work directly. Experimental components will be handled by collaborating teams worldwide. Therefore, we highly value applicants’ expertise in theoretical analysis, model development, and computer simulation.
- Ideal candidates should have a background in materials science, applied physics, mechanics, or related fields, and be proficient in at least one computational simulation method (such as first-principles calculations, molecular dynamics simulations, or finite element modeling), along with some programming skills.
- Our group offers an international research platform, maintaining close collaboration with top experimental teams globally, providing excellent development opportunities for each member. We foster a strong academic atmosphere where members enjoy collegial relationships, support one another in daily research activities, and engage in open and transparent academic discussions. We look forward to new members who not only have a solid academic foundation but also a positive attitude toward teamwork. Here, you can focus on research, collaborate with like-minded peers, and progress together in a relaxed yet professional environment.
Application Procedure:
The group’s homepage is here.
If you are interested in joining the group or exploring collaboration opportunities, please contact Dr. Subrahmanyam Pattamatta at psmanyam@hku.hk or Professor David Srolovitz at srol@hku.hk.