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Join the Jiang Group

We are actively recruiting two fully funded PhD students (Fall 2026 and Spring 2027) and one postdoctoral researcher to work on AI‑driven soft materials and product design for energy and the circular economy.

The Jiang Group develops physics-informed machine learning and AI methods, integrated with molecular simulation, to guide the design of soft materials and chemical products that are high‑performing, synthesizable, stable, and scalable. We work across the molecules → materials → products continuum, combining physics-informed neural networks, geometric and topological deep learning, and generative models with theory and simulation.

Research Areas

Polymer Recycling and Upcycling Designing selective and efficient processes for plastic waste valorization using AI-guided molecular understanding.
Polymer Electrolytes and Membranes Engineering ion-conducting polymers and separation membranes through multiscale modeling and machine learning.
Polymer Rheology and Complex Fluids Predicting flow behavior and processability of architecturally complex polymers from molecular design.

For Prospective PhD Students

Fall 2026 — Apply by March 31, 2026 Spring 2027 — Apply by October 31, 2026

We welcome motivated and curious candidates with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related field. A computational background is preferred but not required — curiosity and willingness to learn matter more.

University Application Requirements

In addition to contacting us directly (see below), you must apply through the USC Graduate School. Required materials typically include:

Official transcripts
2 letters of recommendation
CV / résumé
Personal statement (mention your interest in the Jiang Group)
TOEFL or IELTS (international students)
GRE **not required** (optional)

Preferred deadlines:

  • Fall 2026: March 31, 2026
  • Spring 2027: October 31, 2026

(Applications received after these dates are still welcome.)

For full details, see:

For Prospective Postdocs

We seek candidates who have (or will soon complete) a PhD in a relevant field and are ready to lead their own research direction within a collaborative team. Preferred experience includes one or more of the following:

  • Molecular modeling and simulation, statistical mechanics, or mesoscale modeling
  • Generative AI, geometric/topological deep learning, or physics‑informed machine learning
  • Polymer science, complex fluids, or related areas

How to Apply

Please email all materials as a single PDF to sjiang87@shenglijiang.com using the appropriate subject line:

  • PhD applicants: [Prospective Ph.D. — Your Name]
  • Postdoc applicants: [Prospective Postdoc — Your Name]

PhD applicants — include

  • CV
  • One‑page cover letter (experience, research interests, intended start term)
  • Transcripts (unofficial copies accepted initially)
  • Contact information for two references

Postdoc applicants — include

  • CV
  • One‑page cover letter (experience, research interests, intended start term)
  • One–two representative publications
  • Contact information for three references

For Fall 2026 PhD entry, interested applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Jiang as soon as possible.

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