Department of Mechanical Engineering
Research Fellow / Postdoctoral Fellow / Research Assistant (Full-time/Part-time) (several posts)
(Ref. 260108001)
[Appointment period: each for six to twelve months]
Duties
The appointees will assist the project leader in the research project - “Sourcing, assessing and optimization of 100% “drop-in” sustainable aviation fuels”. They are required to:
(a) conduct research on the quantum mechanical basis of elementary reaction kinetics, with focus on high-pressure environment;
(b) re-derive and elaborate chemical kinetic theories to demonstrate real-fluid effects, including intermolecular forces, non-ideal interactions, and pressure-dependent phenomena;
(c) develop and implement computational models and simulations to predict reaction rates and mechanisms under high-pressure, and real-fluid conditions;
(d) collaborate with researchers to validate theoretical predictions and refine models based on laboratory data;
(e) assist in preparing the publication in top-tier journals and present findings at international conferences; and
(f) contribute to prepare research grant applications, project management, and mentor junior researchers and graduate students.
Qualifications
For the post of Research Fellow, applicants should have a doctoral degree in Chemistry, Chemical Physics, Physical Chemistry or a related discipline plus at least three years of postdoctoral research experience or equivalent qualifications and experience.
For the post of Postdoctoral Fellow, applicants should have a doctoral degree in one of the above-mentioned disciplines or a related discipline and must have no more than five years of post-qualification experience at the time of application.
For the post of Research Assistant, applicants should have an honours degree or above in one of the above-mentioned disciplines or a related discipline.
Applicants should also have:
(a) strong background in quantum mechanics, reaction kinetics and statistical mechanics;
(b) demonstrated experience in theoretical derivation and computational modeling of chemical reactions, especially under high-pressure or non-ideal fluid conditions;
(c) familiarity in using quantum chemistry software (e.g. Gaussian, MOLPRO, ORCA) and molecular dynamics or Monte Carlo simulation tools;
(d) proven publication record in relevant areas; and
(e) a good command of written and spoken English.
Preference will be given to those with (i) experience in real-fluid thermodynamics and intermolecular potential modeling; (ii) knowledge of combustion chemistry, catalysis or energy-related chemical processes; and / or (iii) ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Applicants are invited to contact Prof. Cheng Song at telephone number 2766 6668 or via email at songryan.cheng@polyu.edu.hk for further information.
Conditions of Service
For full-time appointment, a highly competitive remuneration package will be offered.
For part-time appointment, the remuneration rate for the posts of Research Fellow, Postdoctoral Fellow and Research Assistant are HK$394 per hour, HK$385 per hour and HK$125 per hour respectively.
Consideration of applications will commence on 15 January 2026 until the positions are filled.
Posting date: 8 January 2026