Opening Positions

🚀 News! Our group is hiring Postdoc Fellows and Research Assistants under the supervision of Prof. Max Shen and Prof. Shaochong Lin.

We are always searching for talented Ph.D. Students. Please send me your CV, transcripts, and a brief explanation of research interests (shaoclin@hku.hk). Outstanding RPg candidates can apply Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPF) and HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme (HKU-PS).  

✅ The information for Research Assistant positions:

1️⃣ The positions are under the research area of "Data-driven Decision Making: Leveraging Machine Learning for Operational Excellence." 

Related research projects include:

• "Data-Driven Inventory Management with Financial Hedging," GRF, 2025.1.1- 2026.12.31

• "Data-Driven Inventory, Pricing, and Promotion Optimization with Proxy Covariates/ 基于数据驱动和代理特征的库存、定价与促销优化研究," NSFC, 2025.1.1-2027.12.31 

Sample papers can refer to:

• “Data-driven newsvendor problems regularized by a profit risk constraint,” Link to SSRN.

•  "A Semi-parametric framework for data-driven inventory management with financial hedging," Link to SSRN. 

• "Contextual preference learning for dynamic assortment and inventory planning," Link to SSRN. 

• "Contextual stochastic optimization under confounding effects," Link to PDF. 

2️⃣ The positions are under the project of "Planning and Scheduling of Automated Material Handling Systems in Semiconductor Manufacturing Environments." The RAs are responsible for modeling, algorithm design, engineering implementation, and academic paper writing.

• Candidate Qualifications: Applicants must have obtained a bachelor's or master's degree in Automation, Computer Science, Management Science, Industrial Engineering, or other related fields, or currently be a PhD student.
  
  

• Skill Requirements: Applicants must be proficient in at least one programming language (e.g., C++, Python) and meet at least one of the following criteria:

• A. Familiarity with modeling and common solution methods for scheduling and path planning problems, and experience with commercial solvers such as CPLEX or GUROBI. Prior experience in publishing academic papers is preferred.

• B. Strong programming skills, with preference given to those with software development experience or industry work experience.

3️⃣ The positions are under the project "Coordinated Emergency Evacuation of Multimodal Transportation Systems via Intelligent Navigation Applications 突發事件下基於智慧導航的多模式交通協同疏散研究" (Mainland-Hong Kong Joint Funding Scheme). The technical route and related description could refer to the Selected Projects on this website. The RAs are responsible for research, algorithm testing, etc. Importantly, the project aims to produce high-quality papers (patents/software development)!

4️⃣ The positions are under the project "New-Generation Smart Manufacturing ERP."

• Topic 1: The research focuses on smart decision-making driven by dynamic domain knowledge and chain business scenarios, integrating real-time sensing, knowledge automation, and predictive modeling. It includes four key tasks: real-time sensing and aggregation of multi-source dynamic demands; automated domain knowledge extraction, representation, and updates using large language models; business rule generation and dynamic updates through associative knowledge mining; and multi-scenario decision analysis and demand matching using predictive models. The project leverages advanced AI techniques such as deep learning, knowledge graphs, and federated learning to create an adaptive and robust framework for complex domains.

• Topic 2: The research focuses on enhancing collaborative manufacturing ecosystems and integrated multi-base management models. Key tasks include developing autonomous organizational mechanisms for manufacturing enterprises through multi-source environmental sensing and optimization, constructing intelligent multi-entity ecosystem models with collaborative mechanisms and evaluation systems, optimizing industrial chain collaboration through model building and operation analysis, and designing integrated multi-base management frameworks to improve organizational efficiency. 

Importantly, the project aims to produce high-quality papers (patents/software development)!

✅ The information for Postdoc positions: (Please send your CV along with 3 reference letters to shaoclin@hku.hk)  

5️⃣  The positions are under the project of "Planning and Scheduling of Automated Material Handling Systems in Semiconductor Manufacturing Environments." 

This position centers on delivering engineering-driven solutions for planning and scheduling automated material handling systems (AMHS) in semiconductor manufacturing environments. You will be responsible for designing and implementing system-level models, developing and deploying optimization algorithms, and ensuring the practical integration of research outcomes into real-world applications. A key part of the role is producing measurable deliverables, such as working prototypes, system implementations, and high-quality academic publications.

Candidates should have a PhD in Automation, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields. A strong background in systems engineering, including system modeling, design, and optimization, is essential. Proficiency in programming (e.g., Python, C++) and experience with commercial solvers (e.g., CPLEX, GUROBI) are required. Applicants with demonstrated success in bridging theoretical research with practical deliverables are highly preferred.

6️⃣ The position is under the HKU DASE Postdoctoral Academic Development (D-PAD) scheme.

The eligibility criteria for D-PAD applicants are as follows:

1. The applicant must have a PhD degree in a relevant field from a reputable university;

2. The applicant should have a strong publication record, including at least one SCI/SSCI journal paper published or accepted;

3. The applicant must demonstrate excellent English proficiency, as evidenced by either of the following:

   - A PhD degree from an English-teaching university (overseas or in Hong Kong),

   Or

   - At least 2 years of academic experience at an English-teaching university (overseas or in Hong Kong),

   Or

   - An IELTS score of 7.0 or higher (with subtest scores above 6.5, taken within the past 2 years);

The D-PAD position appointment will be full-time for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal based on satisfactory performance. The D-PAD's responsibilities will include assisting with teaching, learning, and research activities within our group's research team. In particular, the D-PAD position is responsible for helping advise 10 MSc dissertation students.