Ph.D Students

We always welcome self-motivated students joining us! There is a wide spectrum of research that can be done in our group.

Students should show a strong research and academic background in one or more of the following areas: Physics, Mathematics, CS, EEE, etc.

Undergraduate and Master's students are encouraged to contact Dr. Shengchao Li to express his/her interest in pursuing a Ph.D. degree in Physics at Westlake University.

Westlake University Admissions Dynamics: PH.D.PROGRAMS

Research Assistants

We welcome intern students in our lab, we have already hosted students from China (including Hong Kong) and the United Kingdom. Please drop an inquiry and we will be in contact.

Internship — preparation materials, research projects and summer research highlights.

Postdocs

Postdoctoral Position in Optical and Infrared Dark Photon Detection

The Department of Physics at Westlake University (China) invites applications for one postdoctoral research fellow to work with Dr. Shengchao Li on experimental searches for dark photon dark matter at optical and infrared wavelengths. The position focuses on hands-on hardware development, including optical instrumentation, low-temperature measurements, and low-background detection. Applicants from experimental physics, optical engineering, electrical engineering, and related fields are welcome.

The initial appointment for this position is for two years, with the possibility of renewal for a third year. Successful applicants will be automatically qualified to apply for the “High-level talent” program in Hangzhou for additional financial support and benefits. The group maintains strong partnerships with institutions both domestically and internationally across Asia, Europe, and North America. Visits to these institutions will be actively encouraged and supported.

Position responsibilities:

1) Design, build, and characterize optical systems for dark photon searches, including photon conversion and collection structures, free-space optics, fiber coupling, and optical filtering.

2) Integrate and characterize optical sensors and readout electronics under low-temperature conditions. Measure detection efficiency, background rates, and long-term stability, and develop methods to suppress stray light, thermal radiation, and electronic noise.

3) Develop mechanical supports, alignment and positioning mechanisms, and shielding for the experimental setup. Carry out system integration, calibration, and performance measurements.

4) Conduct original research independently and in collaboration, prepare research papers for publication, and present research achievements at seminars and conferences.

Specific research tasks will be discussed based on the candidate's interests and strengths.

Candidate requirements:

Applicants should have obtained or be about to obtain a Ph.D. degree in physics, optical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field at the time of the appointment, and be aged under 35.

Strong experimental skills and hands-on research experience in at least one of the following areas are required: optical instrumentation, low-temperature experiments, optical detection, low-noise electronics, or precision instrumentation. Applicants should be able to carry out experimental work independently and collaborate effectively within a research team.

Experience with low-temperature measurement systems, fiber coupling, optical filtering, weak-light measurements, mechanical design for low-temperature operation, or detector readout electronics is considered an advantage. Candidates with relevant hardware expertise who wish to move into experimental dark matter research are encouraged to apply.

Required Application Materials:

1) Cover letter

2) Curriculum Vitae with a publication list

3) Research proposal (2-page max, related to the aforementioned research direction). Please highlight your own hardware contributions, technical problems addressed, and relevant measurement results.

4) Two or three reference letters

Please send the documents in English in PDF format to lishengchao@westlake.edu.cn, and indicate “Postdoc Application” in the email subject. Applicants who meet the requirements and pass the preliminary review will be contacted to arrange an interview.