We are recruiting PhD student(s) for 2026 fall entry to work on biogeochemistry / organic geochemistry!
We welcome applicants who:
1) Have obtained or are expected to obtain a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Hydrology, Ecology, Geography, or a related discipline;
2) Have a demonstrated research track record or relevant background, including experience in fieldwork and/or laboratory studies;
3) Are proficient in at least one programming language (e.g., R, Python, Matlab).
4) Demonstrate strong oral and written English skills and meet the English language requirements of CUHK.
* Candidates with first-author publications in reputable journals will be preferentially considered
* Candidates with expertise in the following analytical techniques, including but not limited to high resolution mass spectrometry (e.g., FT-ICR MS, Orbitrap, TOF-MS, GC×GC-MS, Py-GC-MS), NMR, HPLC, LC, greenhouse gas analyzers, etc., will be preferentially considered.
How to apply:
Please email the following documents to our group (atom@link.cuhk.edu.hk):
1) an up-to-date CV;
2) summary of research background and outcome (if any)
3) a short statement of research interest or research proposal
For enquiries, please contact our group (atom@link.cuhk.edu.hk). We will coordinate and get back to you as soon as we can.
About the group:
The ATOM research group at CUHK works on the chemistry of organic matter (carbon) in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Our study spans from the creation of carbon pools at watershed sources to their transformation in conveyance and distribution systems, treatment utilities, and their ultimate impact on end users. We aim to understand the molecular dynamics of dissolved organic matter in water through field experiments and advanced analyses. Our goal is to develop solutions for sustainable water resources, benefiting communities globally.
Our group PI, Professor Alex Chow, is currently a full professor and the department chair of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Professor Chow received his BSc in Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley, and MSc and PhD in Hydrologic Science at the University of California, Davis, USA. Prior to joining CUHK in 2023, Professor Chow was a tenured full professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation at Clemson University, South Carolina, USA. Prof. Chow has more than 25 years of research, teaching, and outreach experience and has developed an internationally reputed research program in aquatic and terrestrial organic matter (ATOM) and watershed biogeochemistry. Professor Chow is particularly interested in the influences of watershed perturbations, including natural disasters (e.g., wildfire, hurricane, and flooding) and agroecosystem management practices (e.g., forest thinning and irrigation practices) on source water quality and drinking water treatability (e.g., disinfection byproduct and assimilable organic carbon).
See also the following websites for detailed information:
CUHK General Admissions Requirements: https://www.gs.cuhk.edu.hk/admissions/admissions/requirements
CUHK Postgraduate Application: https://www.gs.cuhk.edu.hk/admissions/admissions/how-to-apply
CUHK Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences: https://www.ees.cuhk.edu.hk/programme/postgraduate-programme/
ATOM Research Group: https://www.iwater.earth/home
