Joint Recruitment of Two Postdoctoral Fellows in the Jie Wang Lab and Yi Miao Lab at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

I. Research Group Overview

Dr. Jie Wang and Dr. Yi Miao joined the Department of Life Science at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) as Assistant Professors in 2025. Due to the development needs of the laboratories, they are jointly recruiting two postdoctoral fellows. The laboratories will provide a world-class interdisciplinary research platform, comprehensive academic guidance, and career development support for postdoctoral fellows.

Supervisors' Introduction:

Dr. Jie Wang

• Academic Background: Bachelor’s degree from Tsinghua University, Ph.D. in Neurobiology from Duke University, followed by postdoctoral training in the Thomas C. Südhof Lab at Stanford University.
  
• Research Focus: Investigating the physiological functions of cell surface receptors in the nervous system, particularly the receptor-ligand interactions between glial cells and neurons, and how these interactions regulate neural development, plasticity, and function. Techniques include proteomics, CRISPR screening, stem cell culture, transgenic mouse models, imaging, electrophysiology, receptor signaling, and transcriptomics.

Dr. Yi Miao

• Academic Background: Bachelor’s degree from Tsinghua University, Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Duke University, followed by postdoctoral training in the K. Christopher Garcia and Thomas C. Südhof Labs at Stanford University.
  
• Research Focus: Exploring the mechanisms of intercellular communication and studying how cell surface ligand-receptor interactions regulate signal transduction and the diseases caused by their dysregulation. The goal is to develop novel protein tools and therapies through protein engineering techniques (such as in vitro protein evolution, structural biology, machine learning, and organoids).

II. Recruitment Directions and Requirements

Position 1: Postdoctoral Fellow in Neurobiology/Electrophysiology (1 position, Duration: 1 year)

Responsibilities: Focus on receptor-ligand interactions between glial cells and neurons, utilizing transgenic mouse models and human-induced stem cell-derived neuron and glial cell models. Combine electrophysiological recordings, high-resolution imaging, various cell biology, and behavioral methods to explore the regulatory mechanisms of cell surface receptors in neural development, synaptic plasticity, and neural circuit function.

Requirements:

• A Ph.D. degree obtained or expected soon in Neurobiology, Biomedical Sciences, or related fields, with first-author research papers published or forthcoming in international journals in the field.
• Extensive experience in handling rodents (mice).
• Strong electrophysiological recording experience (e.g., brain slice patch-clamp or in vivo electrophysiology) is preferred.
• Strong self-motivation and independent research capability.

Position 2: Postdoctoral Fellow in Biochemistry/Protein Engineering (1 position, Duration: 1 year)

Responsibilities: Focus on the molecular mechanisms of cell surface ligand-receptor interactions, conducting ligand screening and identification, structural analysis, and developing novel protein tools for regulating intercellular signal transduction based on protein engineering techniques (such as directed evolution, yeast surface display, and protein design).

Requirements:

• A Ph.D. degree obtained or expected soon in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, or related fields, with first-author research papers published or forthcoming in international journals in the field.
• Solid background in biochemistry, including protein expression and purification, molecular cloning, and protein interaction analysis.
• Experience in structural biology (cryo-electron microscopy) or protein engineering (yeast display, directed evolution, or protein design) is preferred.
• A strong interest in interdisciplinary research.

III. Salary and Benefits

• Competitive and internationally attractive salary, negotiable based on experience.
• Benefits as stipulated by HKUST, including medical and retirement benefits.
• Access to world-class research facilities and comprehensive career development support.

IV. Application Method

Applicants should send the following materials to the supervisors' emails: jvwang@ust.hk or yimiao@ust.hk:

• A complete English CV
• Contact information for at least two referees (including the Ph.D. supervisor)

We welcome young scholars interested in interdisciplinary research in neuroscience, biochemistry, and protein engineering to join us!

Review of applications will be continued until the positions are filled.

(Information provided by applicants will be used for recruitment and other employment-related purposes. Applicants should read the Personal Information Collection Statement before submission of application.)

HKUST is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to our core values of
inclusiveness, diversity, and respect.