Join Our Team

We are always looking for talented and motivated individuals to join our research group. If you are passionate about understanding the gut microbiome and its role in human health, we would love to hear from you.

Below are our current openings. Even if there is no open position that matches your background, feel free to reach out to discuss potential opportunities.

Postdoctoral Positions

Postdoctoral Fellow in Metabolomics

Open Position

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team and lead projects investigating gut microbiota-host metabolic interactions. The successful candidate will use advanced metabolomics platforms to study bile acid metabolism and its role in metabolic diseases and cancer.

Requirements

  • PhD in biochemistry, analytical chemistry, or a related field
  • Strong background in mass spectrometry-based metabolomics
  • Experience with LC-MS/MS and/or GC-MS
  • Record of peer-reviewed publications
  • Excellent communication skills in English

Desirable

  • Experience with microbiome research
  • Computational skills (R, Python)
  • Knowledge of bile acid biology

How to Apply

Please send your CV, a brief statement of research interests, and contact information for three references to Professor Wei Jia at weijia2@hku.hk. Include "Postdoc Application - Metabolomics" in the subject line.

Postdoctoral Fellow in Computational Biology

Open Position

We are looking for a computational biologist to develop and apply bioinformatics methods for multi-omics data integration. The position involves analyzing metabolomics, metagenomics, and transcriptomics data to understand host-microbe metabolic interactions.

Requirements

  • PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, or a related field
  • Strong programming skills in R and/or Python
  • Experience with omics data analysis
  • Knowledge of statistical methods and machine learning
  • Track record of publications

Desirable

  • Experience with metagenomics analysis
  • Knowledge of metabolic pathway analysis
  • Experience with high-performance computing

How to Apply

Please send your CV, a brief statement of research interests, and contact information for three references to Professor Wei Jia at weijia2@hku.hk. Include "Postdoc Application - Computational Biology" in the subject line.

PhD Positions

PhD Positions in Metabolomics & Microbiome Research

Open Position

We invite applications for PhD positions starting in Fall 2024. Students will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects investigating the role of gut microbiota in human health and disease using metabolomics approaches. Projects may focus on bile acid metabolism, cancer biomarkers, or traditional Chinese medicine.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in biochemistry, pharmacology, chemistry, or related field
  • Strong academic record
  • Interest in metabolomics and/or microbiome research
  • Good communication skills in English
  • Self-motivated and able to work independently

Desirable

  • Research experience in a laboratory setting
  • Basic knowledge of mass spectrometry
  • Computational skills

How to Apply

Interested candidates should first apply through the HKU Graduate School. Additionally, please send your CV, transcripts, and a brief statement of research interests to Professor Wei Jia at weijia2@hku.hk. Include "PhD Application - 2024" in the subject line.

Deadline: 2024-12-01

Research Assistant Positions

Research Assistant

Open Position

We are seeking a research assistant to support our metabolomics core facility. Responsibilities include sample preparation, LC-MS/MS operation and maintenance, data processing, and laboratory management.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or related field
  • Experience with analytical instruments
  • Attention to detail and good organizational skills
  • Ability to work in a team environment

Desirable

  • Experience with mass spectrometry
  • Knowledge of metabolomics workflows

How to Apply

Please send your CV and cover letter to Professor Wei Jia at weijia2@hku.hk. Include "RA Application" in the subject line.

Undergraduate Opportunities

Summer Research Internship

Open Position

We offer summer research internships for motivated undergraduate students interested in gaining hands-on research experience in metabolomics and microbiome science. Interns will work alongside graduate students and postdocs on ongoing research projects.

Requirements

  • Currently enrolled undergraduate student in a relevant field
  • Strong academic performance
  • Available for at least 8 weeks during summer
  • Enthusiasm for learning and scientific research

Desirable

  • Previous laboratory experience
  • Basic knowledge of biochemistry and analytical methods

How to Apply

Please send your CV, academic transcript, and a brief statement explaining your interest in our research to Professor Wei Jia at weijia2@hku.hk. Include "Summer Internship Application" in the subject line. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Visiting Scholars

Visiting Scholar Program

Open Position

We welcome visiting scholars and students who wish to spend time in our laboratory for collaborative research or training. Visits typically range from 3 months to 1 year. Visitors will have access to our state-of-the-art metabolomics facilities and interact closely with our research team.

Requirements

  • Current position at an academic or research institution
  • Clear research objectives aligned with our laboratory interests
  • Sufficient funding to support the visit
  • Approval from home institution

Desirable

  • Complementary expertise that could lead to fruitful collaboration
  • Potential for joint publications

How to Apply

Please send a proposal describing your research interests, planned activities, and duration of visit to Professor Wei Jia at weijia2@hku.hk. Include "Visiting Scholar Inquiry" in the subject line.

How to Write to Us

Tips for making a strong application

  • 1

    Use a clear subject line

    Include the position type (e.g., "Postdoc Application - Metabolomics")

  • 2

    Attach your CV

    Include your educational background, research experience, and publications

  • 3

    Write a brief statement of interest

    Explain why you are interested in our lab and what you hope to achieve

  • 4

    Show familiarity with our work

    Mention specific publications or research areas that interest you

  • 5

    Include references

    Provide contact information for 2-3 academic references

Ready to apply?

Contact Professor Jia