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Join the Jiang Group

We are actively recruiting PhD students and postdoctoral researchers for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027.

The Jiang Group develops computational tools that bridge molecules → materials → products, with a focus on soft materials and data- and physics-driven design. If you’re drawn to problems that sit at the intersection of theory, simulation, and machine learning — and you care about making materials that are more sustainable, functional, or recyclable — we’d be glad to hear from you.

Research Interests

  • Multiscale modeling of soft materials
  • Physics-informed machine learning for materials and product design
  • Soft materials for energy and sustainability, including:
    • Polymer electrolytes and membranes for critical mineral extraction
    • Biodegradable polymers and recyclable polymer blends
    • Chemoresponsive soft materials for chemical sensing
    • Data-driven design under real-world constraints (lifetime, safety, cost, circularity)

For Prospective PhD Students

We welcome students with backgrounds in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related fields. You don’t need to have prior experience in every area we work in — curiosity and willingness to learn matter more.

Application Requirements & Deadlines

Required documents:

  • Official transcripts
  • 2 letters of recommendation
  • CV / résumé
  • Personal statement (please mention your interest in the Jiang Group and why)
  • TOEFL or IELTS (for international students)
  • GRE not required (optional if you wish to submit)

Preferred deadlines:

  • Fall 2026: March 31, 2026
  • Spring 2027: October 31, 2026
  • Summer 2027: February 28, 2027

(Applications received after these dates are still welcome.)

For program details, see:

For Prospective Postdocs

We are looking for candidates who have (or will soon complete) a PhD in a relevant field and are ready to lead their own research direction while working as part of a collaborative team.

Preferred Background

Strong candidates typically have experience in one or more of:

  • Molecular simulation (atomistic or coarse-grained MD/MC), statistical mechanics, or mesoscale modeling
  • Scientific computing and data analysis (Python, C++), reproducible workflows, and HPC
  • Machine learning for physical systems (physics-informed ML, generative models, geometric and topological deep learning, uncertainty quantification)

How to Apply / Get in Touch

The best way to express interest is to email me directly with:

  1. CV (including publications, if any)
  2. Cover letter (1 page) describing:
    • Your research background and most relevant experience
    • Why you are interested in the Jiang Group specifically
    • Your preferred start date
  3. 1–2 representative papers (postdoc applicants)
  4. Any additional materials you’d like to share

Email: sjiang87@shenglijiang.com

Please use the following subject line format:

  • PhD applicants: [Prospective PhD — Your Name — Fall 2026 / Spring 2027]
  • Postdoc applicants: [Prospective Postdoc — Your Name — Research Area]

The Jiang Group is committed to a supportive, respectful, and inclusive research environment. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.