Join the Chang Ye Lab at PolyU

Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

The Chang Ye Lab at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is recruiting PhD Students, Postdoctoral Fellows, and Research Assistants. We are an interdisciplinary group integrating Chemical Biology, Omics Technology, and AI for Science.

Research Focus

• Sequencing Technology Innovation: Developing novel chemical and enzymatic technologies (e.g., UBS-seq, eTAM-seq, RAD-seq) to map RNA modifications and RBP footprints at single-base resolution, and to trace cell lineage histories (SMALT) at single-cell resolution.
• AI for Science: Leveraging proprietary multi-omics data to build foundation models for the generative design of functional RNA therapeutics and novel editing enzymes.
• Evolutionary Systems Biology: Investigating cell fate dynamics and fundamental evolutionary principles by integrating high-resolution lineage tracing with single-cell multi-omics.

Candidate Requirements

1. PhD Applicants (2026 Fall Intake)

• Academic Background: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Physics, or related fields.
• Versatility & Skills: We prioritize a growth mindset. We do not expect candidates to be proficient in both wet and dry labs. However, background knowledge in any of the following areas is a plus:
  • Computational: Python/R/Linux, Deep Learning (PyTorch/JAX), or NGS analysis.
  • Experimental: Molecular cloning, NGS library preparation, or protein biochemistry.
• Language: Fluent in written and spoken English (IELTS ≥ 6.5 or TOEFL ≥ 80).

2. Postdoctoral Fellows

• Qualification: A Ph.D. in a relevant quantitative or experimental field.
• Track Record: At least one first-author publication in a reputable journal.
• Competency: Ability to independently lead projects in AI-driven protein design, sequencing method development, or systems biology.

3. Research Assistants

• Ideal for Bachelor’s or Master’s graduates seeking rigorous research training before pursuing a PhD. You will have opportunities to lead independent projects and co-author publications.

Research Environment & Support

• Infrastructure: We provide an industrial-grade research environment with high-performance computing resources and GPU clusters for AI training. On the experimental side, we are equipped with state-of-the-art sequencing and biochemical platforms.
• Funding Support: We provide full scholarships for PhD students, including a Conference Grant to support international academic exchange. Strong candidates will be nominated for the prestigious Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), PolyU Presidential PhD Fellowship Scheme (PPPFS), and Research Postgraduate Studentship (RPS). We also offer full financial support through Full Postgraduate Studentship (PGS) for exceptional candidates with unique profiles.
• Postdoc Fellowship: We actively support candidates in applying for the RGC Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme and other competitive funding opportunities.