Research Assistant Professor

Department/Unit: Department of Biomedical Engineering Closing Date: June 1, 2027 The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is a leading comprehensive research university in Asia with a strong global academic reputation. For example, CUHK is ranked #7 in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026 and #18 in the QS World University Rankings 2027 .

The Faculty of Engineering has a distinguished history of research excellence in optics and photonics, dating back to the early 1970s, when Professor Charles Kao, the 2009 Nobel Laureate in Physics, joined CUHK. The Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) is the newest department in the Faculty of Engineering. Despite its relatively recent establishment, BME has rapidly developed into a globally recognized center of research excellence, ranked #38 worldwide in the 2025 Shanghai.

Ranking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects for Biomedical Engineering and consistently ranked #1 in Hong Kong . Applications are invited for the position of Research Assistant Professor (RAP) to participate in research projects on biomaterials for disease diagnosis and treatment . The research is highly interdisciplinary and spans biomaterials, phage bioengineering, phage display, genetic engineering, synthetic biology, nanomedicine, nanobiotechnology, biosensing, bioimaging, and tissue regeneration .

Opportunities for Growth The RAP position provides excellent opportunities for professional development and career advancement. The appointee will have opportunities to: lead independent, cutting-edge research projects; mentor postdoctoral fellows and graduate students; collaborate with leading research groups internationally; develop and lead new research directions; apply for external research grants as a Principal Investigator (PI); and contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.

The position is designed to support the development of an independent academic researcher with a strong record of publications, research leadership, and external funding.

Requirements

possess a doctoral degree in a STEM-related field , such as biology, chemistry, bioengineering, biomedical engineering, materials science, or medicine; have a strong academic background and an excellent research record, demonstrated by publications in high-impact journals; have excellent written and spoken English; have substantial postdoctoral research experience.

Applicants with exceptional research achievements may be considered on a case-by-case basis; have demonstrated experience in independently leading research projects; and have experience in research grant applications, which will be considered an advantage. Experience in one or more of the following areas will be an advantage: cell engineering; CAR-T cells; immunotherapy; cancer therapy; phage display and phage bioengineering; electroactive materials; electronics; synthetic biology; genetic engineering; biosensing; bioimaging; or nanomedicine.

Research Directions The RAP will conduct research at the interface of biology, engineering, materials science, and medicine . The specific research aims, projects, and deliverables will be developed in consultation with the PI, taking into consideration the appointee’s expertise, research interests, and prior experience.

Potential research directions include the development of genetically engineered biomaterials and phage-based platforms for disease diagnosis, targeted therapy, tissue regeneration, and other biomedical applications.

Responsibilities

(a) conduct and lead research projects under the supervision of Professor Chuanbin Mao ; (b) develop and pursue independent research directions related to the project; (c) mentor undergraduate and postgraduate students and contribute to the training of junior researchers; (d) collaborate with PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, and researchers within and outside the Department to explore broader applications of the research; (e) prepare and publish manuscripts in high-impact journals and present research findings at international conferences; (f) contribute to the preparation and drafting of patent applications and other intellectual property; and (g) develop and submit competitive external research grant applications as Principal Investigator (PI), including funding opportunities in Hong Kong and Mainland China.

This position provides a unique opportunity for an emerging researcher to develop into an independent investigator with a strong international research profile and a track record of securing competitive external research funding. Salary and Contract Details Salary will be commensurate with the applicant’s qualifications and experience.

Appointment will initially be made on contract basis for up to three years , commencing as soon as possible. The appointment may be renewed subject to funding availability, performance, and mutual agreement. How to Apply Applicants should submit an online application together with: a full curriculum vitae; a complete list of publications; copies of academic credentials; and the names, affiliations, addresses, and email addresses of three to five referees , who have given their consent to provide references.

The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. The University only accepts and considers applications submitted online through the CUHK career site. For more information and to apply online, please visit http://career.cuhk.edu.hk .