Job Vacancies | Department of Physics, Hong Kong Baptist University

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS

The Department invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor. The Department has focus research areas in (a) Advanced Materials & Energy and (b) Biophysics & Complex Systems. Interdisciplinary research is actively promoted by the Faculty of Science, fostered under the University-wide six Interdisciplinary Labs (https://interdisciplinary-research.hkbu.edu.hk/), and supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities, such as the Life Science Imaging Centre (https://research.hkbu.edu.hk/resources/facilities-and-labs/hkbu-life-science-imaging-centre).

Being part of a rapidly evolving research and educational landscape in the region, the Department strives to nurture leadership in emerging fields of transdisciplinary science, such as advanced materials and device physics for biomedical/healthcare and green energy applications, big data and AI in smart sensor technology, and quantitative and systems biology. These efforts are supported by infrastructural and internationalisation initiatives at the University level and grounded on the Department's research achievements (evidenced by extensive international collaborations, external reviews such as Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), start-up companies and prestigious awards).

Assistant Professor (23240053)

The candidates should have a PhD degree in Physics, Microelectronics, Advanced Materials or other relevant disciplines, a proven track record of collaborative research and a strong commitment to teaching. Experimental scientists with strong expertise in soft matters, biomaterials, flexible electronics, and electronics with living systems for applications in health monitoring, biomedical sensors, and multi-functional human-machine interaction, are especially encouraged to apply. The appointee is expected to conduct world-class research and to teach at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

This is a tenure-track position with an initial appointment to be made on a fixed-term contract of three years. Re-appointment thereafter is subject to mutual agreement. Tenure is expected to be attained within six years.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application Procedure:

Applicants are invited to submit their applications at the HKBU e-Recruitment System with samples of publications, preferably three best ones out of their most recent publications/works. They should also request two referees to send in confidential letters of reference, with PR number (stated above) quoted on the letters, to the Human Resources Office (Email: recruit@hkbu.edu.hk) directly. Those who are not invited for interview 4 months after the closing date may consider their applications unsuccessful. All application materials, including publication samples and scholarly/creative works, will be disposed of after completion of the recruitment exercise. Details of the University's Personal Information Collection Statement can be found at https://hro.hkbu.edu.hk/en/worklife-at-hkbu/employee-favourable-environment.html#privacy-policy.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment for the post advertised, and the appointment will be made according to the terms and conditions applicable at the time of offer.

Closing date: 15 March 2024 (or until the position is filled)

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS

Research Assistant Professor (23240241)

The Department is recruiting ONE scholar at the rank of Research Assistant Professor in the areas of non-Hermitian and topological waves or multiple scattering waves to support the on-going development of relevant research areas within the department and the university.

Applicants should have worked at a university or research institute on a full-time basis for not less than 1 year. They should also have (i) a relevant PhD degree; (ii) strong commitment to excellence in research and mentoring/teaching; and (iii) outstanding accomplishments and research potential in the related area. The candidates with relevant postdoctoral research experiences will be considered with priority. The applicants are expected to have experience and publication records in two or more of following research areas:

Topological matters in wave systems
Non-Hermitian physics
Acoustic or mechanical metamaterials

The initial appointment will be offered on a fixed-term contract up to two years commencing Mar 2024. Re-appointment thereafter will be subject to mutual agreement.

Salary and rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application Procedure:

Review of applications is ongoing until the position is filled.

JC STEM Lab of Neuronal Circuit Dynamics

Several postdoctoral positions in theoretical/computational and experimental neuroscience

Understanding how adaptive and maladaptive behavior emerges from the operation of neuronal circuits is a central topic across different sub-disciplines within neuroscience. Our laboratory’s research program capitalizes on the establishment of cutting-edge optical technologies based on engineered molecular reporters that convert electrical signals of neurons into optical signals (ref#1). Electrical signals captured from the brain of mice while they engage in different behaviors such as perception, learning and execution of tasks, as well as social interactions are analyzed using advanced computational methods to address and derive theoretical models and predictions (ref#2). For this line of research we are seeking several postdoctoral researchers to work synergistically both within the team and with our collaborating teams. The work will entail using novel neurotechnology and approaches to conduct multi-level investigations to address big questions in neuroscience. Successful candidates will be a part of a highly interdisciplinary collaborative teamworking environment that values effective communication, integrity and equality.

One theoretical/computational neuroscientist: we seek a theoretical/computational neuroscientist with a strong mathematical and computational background. Candidates with an interest in understanding the overlap and differences between natural and artificial intelligence are particularly encouraged to apply.

One mouse in vivo experimentalist: for in vivo experimental work, we wish to recruit a skilled experimenter with strong biological background and an analytical approach to technical challenges. Previous experience with mouse in vivo experiments is necessary. Previous experience with neuronal activity optical imaging, particularly head-fixed imaging, is desirable.

One molecular experimentalist: at the molecular level, we work on the premise that the physical substrate of mind sets (diversity of personalities) involves epigenetic modification in neuronal circuits (ref#3). To test this emerging research field and to interface work in line with the above theoretical and experimental neuroscience topics, we are seeking an individual with experience (or strong interest) in nanopore based DNA methylation analysis and previous bioinformatics training.

Requirements for all positions:

PhD in a STEM subject. Candidates with degrees in neuroscience, data science, bioinformatics, and computational biology are particularly encouraged to apply.
Knowledge of scientific background relevant to the research area.
Original research published or under revision in a reputable journal.
Good English communication skills and strong critical thinking ability.
Able to prioritize and work collaboratively in a diverse workforce.

(Ref#1) Optical voltage imaging in neurons: moving from technology development to practical tool. doi: 10.1038/s41583-019-0231-4.

(Ref#2) Cortex-wide spontaneous activity non-linearly steers propagating sensory-evoked activity in awake mice. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111740.

(Ref#3) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behavioral_epigenetics

Please address informal inquiries to Prof Thomas Knopfel <tknopfel@knopfel-lab.net>