Recruitment

Team Recruitment

The Liu Gui-Geng Laboratory at Westlake University warmly invites applications (valid for a long term).

Overview: The Liu Gui-Geng Laboratory at Westlake University is dedicated to research in the fields of topological optics, topological acoustics, non-Hermitian physics, photonic crystals, metamaterials, and related areas. We are currently seeking postdoctoral researchers, PhD candidates (undergraduates can apply without needing to qualify for postgraduate recommendations), and research assistants (who can later apply for PhD positions in the group). The lab is located at the Yun Gu campus of Westlake University in Xihu District, Hangzhou (surrounding apartments are available for rent at about 1,000 to 3,000 RMB per month).

PhD candidates for the Fall 2025 intake are currently being recruited. Spots are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. For details, please refer to the Westlake University School of Engineering’s 2025 PhD Admissions Guide.
Postdoctoral researchers and research assistants can join at any time.

Lab PI: Liu Gui-Geng, who graduated from Nankai University with a degree in Physics and obtained his PhD from the School of Physics and Mathematics at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. He has joined the School of Engineering at Westlake University as an Assistant Professor (independent PI and PhD supervisor). In the past four years, relevant results have been published as first/corresponding author in journals such as Nature, Nat. Commun. (two papers), Phys. Rev. Lett. (four papers), Light Sci. Appl., Natl. Sci. Rev., Sci. Bull., etc. For detailed research achievements, please visit [Link] for Dr. Liu Guigeng’s homepage. Google Scholar [Link].

Research Directions: The future research directions of the laboratory include, but are not limited to, topological physics (based on microwave, terahertz, optical, acoustic, circuit systems), non-Hermitian physics, photonic crystals, metamaterials, nonlinear optics, and related fields. We also encourage scholars from other backgrounds to join and explore new research directions. The laboratory provides a supportive living and academic environment for all members, fostering an equal and open research atmosphere. The PI and members collaboratively set research topics and monitor progress, with all members relieved of any non-research-related responsibilities. More information about the lab conditions, academic environment, PI’s research history and philosophy, and an introduction to Westlake University can be found at the end of this document.

Currently, the laboratory has ample funding and space, and we sincerely invite postdoctoral researchers, PhD candidates, and research assistants to join:

Postdoctoral Researchers

For postdoctoral researchers joining the laboratory, you will receive:

1. A generous postdoctoral salary, specific details to be discussed. The postdoctoral appointment is for two years, with no specific publication requirements upon completion (the PI is confident in publishing at least 1-2 high-level papers under his guidance). Enjoy employee benefits at Westlake University. Currently, on-campus postdoctoral housing is available, but spots are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Surrounding apartments are available for rent at about 1,000 to 3,000 RMB/month.
2. In addition to the above, substantial performance bonuses will be provided based on the level of achievements (with specific quantifiable standards discussed in detail, rewarding more for more work, with no upper limit).
3. The laboratory will support and assist postdoctoral researchers in applying for related postdoctoral projects as principal investigators. If funding is secured, the research group can provide generous additional performance bonuses (with specific quantifiable standards discussed in detail). Those who receive funding from the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation and the Zhejiang Provincial Outstanding Postdoctoral Project will receive matching support from Hangzhou City at a 1:1 ratio.
4. Opportunities to assist in supervising PhD students and other members and to co-author publications.
5. Financial support for at least one academic conference annually, both domestically and internationally.
6. In addition to social insurance and housing fund, additional benefits include supplementary medical insurance and public health check-ups.
7. The university can assist with residency permits and provide services for children’s schooling and daycare.
8. The university offers a comprehensive training system, including projects such as “Outstanding Postdoctoral Researcher at Westlake University” and “Outstanding Female Postdoctoral Researcher at Westlake.”
9. At the end of the postdoctoral appointment, there is an option to transition to a researcher position series at Westlake University based on mutual agreement (with the possibility of long-term renewal).
10. For postdoctoral researchers who stay in Hangzhou (including laboratory researcher positions), Hangzhou City offers a subsidy of 400,000 RMB per person.
11. You can apply for recognition as a high-level talent in Hangzhou and enjoy corresponding policies.

Application Requirements:

1. Passion for research and pursuit of academic excellence (the most basic and important prerequisite for collaboration with the PI).
2. A PhD degree in physics, electronic science and engineering, optical engineering, materials physics, or related fields, or expected to obtain such a degree.
3. Preference will be given to candidates with research experience in photonic crystals, metamaterials, topological physics, non-Hermitian physics, magnetic materials, optoelectronics, optical material synthesis and preparation, micro-nano photonics, optical system construction, optical computing simulation, laser technology, two-dimensional materials, or machine learning. The laboratory urgently needs candidates with theoretical research experience in condensed matter topological physics.
4. Age should not exceed 35 years (candidates over this age may consider applying for researcher positions; please inquire via email for specifics).
5. Must have published SCI papers as the first author in professional journals.

Application Method:
Please send your CV, published articles, and other relevant materials in PDF format to Dr. Liu Guigeng at liuguigeng@westlake.edu.cn. Please indicate in the email subject: “Postdoctoral Application – Your Name.” Those who meet the requirements and pass the preliminary review will be notified for an interview.

PhD Candidates and Research Assistants

Application Requirements:

1. Passion for research and pursuit of academic excellence (the most basic and important prerequisite for collaboration with the PI).
2. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in physics, electronic science and engineering, optical engineering, materials physics, or related fields, or expected to obtain such a degree. The PhD application process at Westlake University is based on application and assessment, with no written exam required. Undergraduates can apply directly without needing postgraduate recommendations.
3. Preference will be given to candidates with research experience in photonic crystals, metamaterials, topological physics, non-Hermitian physics, magnetic materials, optoelectronics, optical material synthesis and preparation, micro-nano photonics, optical system construction, optical computing simulation, laser technology, two-dimensional materials, or machine learning.
4. Preference will be given to those who have published or accepted SCI articles.
5. There are no restrictions on the applicant’s alma mater; candidates from both domestic and international institutions can apply. Passion for research and capability are the only assessment criteria.

Other Notes:

1. Westlake University requires PhD candidates to meet at least one of the following English proficiency requirements upon formal submission of their application: a score of 460 or above on the National College English Test (CET-6), a TOEFL score of 90 or above, an IELTS score of 6 or above, or completion of an overseas English-taught degree program prior to enrollment, with the educational credentials certified by the Ministry of Education’s Study Abroad Service Center before enrollment. This does not include joint programs with foreign institutions that confer dual degrees.
2. PhD interviews will be assessed by a committee established by the college. For specific processes and timelines, please search for “Westlake University PhD Admissions Guide” and “School of Engineering PhD Admissions Guide.” Those interested in pursuing a PhD in this research group should contact the supervisor early; if the supervisor agrees to accept them, a spot can be reserved and the supervisor will recommend them to the college while providing application and interview guidance.
3. PhD candidates will receive a substantial living stipend, specifics to be discussed.
4. Full support will be provided for PhD candidates to attend domestic and international academic conferences and for joint training abroad (including funding support, supervisor recommendations, etc.).
5. Research assistants have no English requirements, and a bachelor’s degree is sufficient. This is a formal position with salary to be discussed. If they later wish to apply for a PhD position at Westlake University, they will receive PI recommendations and guidance for the application and interview process, with the final application assessed by a committee established by the college.

Application Method:
Please send your CV, transcripts, published articles (if any), and other relevant materials in PDF format to Dr. Liu Guigeng at liuguigeng@westlake.edu.cn. Please indicate in the email subject: “PhD/Research Assistant Application – Your Name.” Those who meet the requirements and pass the preliminary review will be notified for an interview. After passing the interview, candidates will formally submit their application through the system as required by the college.

Other Information about the Research Group:

PI’s Research Journey: Dr. Liu Guigeng began systematic research training in 2013 at Nankai University. In 2014, he joined the research group of Professors Wang Huitian and Tu Chenghou at Nankai University, focusing on structured light fields. From 2016 to 2017, he received funding from the program to conduct research on liquid crystal devices in Professor Wu Shicong’s group at the University of Central Florida (CREOL). In 2017-2018, he published two first-author papers on structured light field control using liquid crystal devices (one in Optics Letters and one in APL Photonics). At the end of 2018, he joined the research groups of Professors Zhang Bole and Chong Yidong at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, focusing on topological optics (initially as a research assistant, later as a PhD student). During his PhD, he became fascinated by the simplicity and purity of non-reciprocal topological photonics, collaborating with others to explore this direction. In 2019, he and his collaborators focused on two-dimensional topological systems, with results primarily published in 2020 (one paper in Nat. Commun., one in Phys. Rev. Lett., one in PRL Communications, and one in Light Sci. Appl.). He then began researching three-dimensional non-reciprocal topological systems, starting in late 2019 and focusing on it from 2020 to 2021, with results published in 2022 (one in Nature). At the end of 2022, he confirmed his position at Westlake University’s School of Engineering, beginning to establish the research group. He continues to collaborate with others on topological and non-Hermitian physics research and publish results (one first-author paper in PRL, one in PRL Communications, one in NC Communications, one in NSR Communications, and one in Sci. Bull. Communications). For detailed research achievements, please visit [Link]. Representative achievements include:

• 2024 Phys. Rev. Lett. Non-Hermitian extension of the correspondence of Chern insulator boundary states.
• 2024 Natl. Sci. Rev. Quadrupole topological insulator in non-reciprocal photonic crystals.
• 2024 Sci. Bull. Three-dimensional Klein insulator.
• 2023 Nat. Commun. Chiral surface states in Weyl magnetic semimetals.
• 2022 Nature Realization of the first three-dimensional Chern insulator.
• 2022 Phys. Rev. Lett. Nested Dirac semimetals.
• 2020 Phys. Rev. Lett. Topological Anderson insulator based on photonic crystals.
• 2020 Nat. Commun. Single Dirac point photonic crystals.
• 2020 Phys. Rev. Lett. Chiral edge states in Dirac semimetals.
• 2020 Light Sci. Appl. Disordered topological insulators.

PI’s Self-Evaluation: The PI is adept at and enjoys collaborating with others in research, providing effective and direct assistance to collaborators (believing that future collaborations with group members will also be enjoyable). The PI has an optimistic and open personality, enjoys working with others, is good at communication, and is receptive to others’ opinions. The PI is driven by personal interest in research, focusing on effective research time and emphasizing work-life balance. The PI does not nitpick trivial formalities. The PI prefers to grasp research content through physical intuition, having clear plans for each project from the start to minimize wasted efforts. (This self-evaluation has been recognized by multiple collaborators and colleagues.)

Basic Conditions of the Laboratory:

1. The laboratory currently has ample funding and no specific research content restrictions, ensuring that all members’ benefits and experimental support are secured for the coming years.
2. The laboratory has hundreds of square meters of independent laboratory space and offices.
3. Equipped with several high-performance servers, each member is provided with a customizable high-performance personal workstation. Support from Westlake University’s supercomputing center is also available.
4. The laboratory has a dedicated administrative assistant to help with daily affairs. All members are relieved of any non-research-related responsibilities.

Academic Environment of the Laboratory:

1. The laboratory (including the entire Westlake University) strives to create an open and equal academic atmosphere, ensuring that all members have a supportive living and academic environment for their research. All members and the PI are in a collaborative research relationship, and the laboratory ensures that all members are not hindered by external factors in their imagination and creativity for research. All that is required is that all members possess a genuine interest and passion for research.
2. The PI will work with group members to collaboratively set research topics and monitor progress, ensuring that all members are engaged in meaningful and promising research directions. For new members joining the group, the PI will provide comprehensive training, sharing all accumulated knowledge, skills, research methods, and philosophies without reservation. The PI guarantees to provide meaningful and specific advice and guidance in the following situations: when a member struggles to find a research direction; when a member’s chosen research direction is clearly unpromising; when a member is stuck in a dead end for a long time; when a member lacks progress and does not know how to break through; when a member actively seeks guidance. The laboratory develops personalized training plans and collaboration models based on each member’s actual conditions to ensure that all members can maximize their potential and achieve the best results.
3. The laboratory emphasizes the balance between research and life, focusing only on effective research time and not promoting performative research or self-indulgent research. All members only need to ensure that research activities progress in an orderly manner. At the same time, all members are encouraged to love life and maintain a positive attitude and lifestyle.

Introduction to Westlake University:
Westlake University is a new research-oriented university established by social forces and supported by the state, positioned as a high-start, small, and elite research institution. It has recruited over 200 independent PIs, with more than 90% directly brought in from overseas. The primary language of instruction is English. Currently, only PhD students are admitted, and there are no master’s programs. Undergraduate admission is currently piloted only in Zhejiang Province.

For further inquiries or suggestions, please feel free to contact Dr. Liu Guigeng via email (liuguigeng@westlake.edu.cn) or leave a message below. The PI or assistant will periodically respond (email contact is recommended).