Join Us∣SUSTech Calls for Global Talent

Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) cordially invites outstanding international scholars to apply for the prestigious National Science Fund Program for Outstanding Young Scholars (Overseas).

I. Program Overview

China's National Science Fund Program for Outstanding Young Scholars (Overseas) seeks to attract remarkable young scholars from around the globe, including those of non-Chinese origin, who have excelled in natural sciences, engineering, and related fields. The program empowers scholars to pursue their own research interests, fostering innovative projects that contribute to the advancement of scientific and technological talent in China.

As a leading institution in this initiative, SUSTech has consistently ranked among the top universities in China for securing funding since the program's inception. In 2026, SUSTech will continue its commitment to this talent recruitment initiative.

II. Eligibility Criteria

(I) Compliance with the laws and regulations of the People’s Republic of China, alongside a strong commitment to scientific ethics and innovation;

(II) Born on or after January 1, 1986;

(III) Hold a doctoral degree;

(IV) The research focus is primarily on natural sciences, engineering, or related fields;

(V) Possess a minimum of 36 months of continuous formal teaching or research experience at overseas universities, research institutions, or corporate R&D departments, gained after obtaining your doctoral degree and prior to April 15, 2026. This requirement may be relaxed for candidates with exceptional achievements and a doctoral degree from overseas (not apply to individuals who obtained their overseas doctoral degrees through joint training programs between China and foreign countries). For applicants who hold a paid position in China while working abroad, the duration of their paid position in China will not be counted towards their overseas work experience;

(VI) Demonstrate recognized research or technological achievements that indicate potential as a leading figure in your field;

(VII) Have no previous full-time work experience in China prior to January 1, 2025. If selected, you will need to resign from your current overseas position and commit to full-time work in China for a minimum of three years.

Important Note: You may apply to only one program at the same level. Applications to programs at lower levels are not allowed.

[Note: The eligibility criteria are based on the 2025 official guidelines. For the 2026 criteria, please refer to the latest guidelines issued by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC).]

III. Supportive Conditions

SUSTech offers a globally competitive compensation and benefits package, along with a dynamic research environment. If selected for the Program, you will be appointed to a tenure-line position at SUSTech, with access to a wide array of supportive resources and favorable conditions, including but not limited to:

(I) Position

Typically, you will be appointed as an Associate Professor with the opportunity to supervise PhD students.

(II) Compensation and Benefits

1. Compensation: Highly competitive salary with eligibility for personal income tax benefits in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area.

2. Comprehensive benefits: Highest-standard Five Insurances and One Fund (social insurance and housing provident fund) in Shenzhen; supplementary commercial medical insurance and premium coverage for the Greater China region, along with a Shenzhen-standard annuity.

3. Personal grants: We will support you in applying for relevant talent programs aligned with national, provincial, and municipal talent initiatives. If selected, you may receive grants or other financial support.

(III) Research Support

1. Research funding: Provide corresponding research funding support based on government policies and the outcome of your application. Special cases will be evaluated individually.

2. Team support: Research teams will be formed based on project needs. Postdoctoral researchers recruited within the approved quota will receive partial financial support from the university. You can also recruit additional postdocs using your own funds without limits. Graduate student quotas will be allocated based on university policies and departmental needs, and you have the flexibility to recruit research-line faculty and research/teaching assistants.

3. Office and Lab Facilities: High-quality office and laboratory spaces are available, alongside access to shared research platforms.

(IV) Living Benefits

1. Housing: Depending on availability, we offer either housing or housing subsidies.

2. Educational support for children: The SUSTech Education Group (Nanshan) includes 4 public schools in Nanshan District, 1 offering education from Grade 1 to 9, and 3 offering elementary education. For preschool, we have two public kindergartens: SUSTech Affiliated Kindergarten in the Nanshan District and a planned branch campus of the affiliated kindergarten  located on our campus. We can assist with enrollment based on availability and government policies.

3. Medical Services: Access to healthcare through our 10 affiliated hospitals, 5 teaching hospitals, and 6 scientific research collaboration bases.

4. Living support: We assist with applications for Shenzhen hukou (household registration) or residence permits for you and your family, as well as the "You Yue Talent Card" (Guangdong provincial talent card) and "Shenzhen Talent Pass". These cards offer specialized services in housing, healthcare, education, and spouse employment in Guangdong and Shenzhen.

IV. Application Process

If you wish to apply for the National Science Fund Program for Outstanding Young Scholars (Overseas) through our university, please send the following documents to the relevant department's contact email:

1. Curriculum Vitae;

2. A summary of your teaching and research experience;

3. Contact details (name, institution, phone number, and email) for at least three referees.

Please use the following format for the email subject line: "Overseas Outstanding Young Scholars + [Your Name]." Upon receiving your materials, we will promptly reach out to discuss the next steps and offer comprehensive support. We will then proceed with the evaluation and recommendation process according to the guidelines set by NSFC.

V. Contact Us

Why Choose Us?

Located in the vibrant city of Shenzhen, SUSTech is a dynamic public research university founded by the Shenzhen Municipality during a transformative period in China's higher education landscape. Established in December 2010, SUSTech quickly gained recognition, and in February 2022, it was included in China’s “Double First Class” initiative—a prominent higher education development and sponsorship scheme, making it the youngest university in China to achieve this distinction. Nestled in the thriving Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, SUSTech upholds its founding principles of “Truth, Innovation, Reform, and Excellence,” with a strong focus on research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Guided by the motto “Virtue, Truth, Advance,” the university is dedicated to becoming a world-class research university.

A Platform for High-Quality Development

SUSTech is committed to advancing global scientific and technological progress while addressing national priorities. The university offers a broad range of academic programs across its diverse colleges and schools, including the College of Science, College of Engineering, School of Life Sciences, School of Medicine, School of Business, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, School of Design, College of Semiconductors (National Graduate College for Engineers), and School of Marxism among others. With 33 academic departments and research centers, SUSTech prioritizes science, engineering, and medicine, while also offering programs in business, humanities, and social sciences. Currently, SUSTech has over 12,000 students, including more than 5,000 undergraduates and over 7,000 postgraduates. Leading the way in admissions reform, SUSTech uses a "comprehensive evaluation admission model" that identifies and nurtures outstanding students with specialized knowledge, innovative potential, and strong overall qualities.

At the forefront of cutting-edge technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration, SUSTech heavily invests in advanced research platforms, building strong research teams, and tackling major scientific projects. Our efforts bring together top talent and resources to push the boundaries of knowledge. The university plays a key role in significant initiatives such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area Quantum Science Center, the S3FEL Facility, and the Materials Genome Facility—projects shaping the next generation of pioneering scientists. In 2025, the university actively promoted the application and development of national-level research platforms in strategic areas including quantum science and technology, ecological and environmental studies, life and health sciences, and advanced scientific instrumentation. To date, the university has been approved to establish 144 research platforms at various levels and of different types, with cumulative research funding exceeding CNY4.1 billion.  As of November 2025, a total of 21 papers had been published in Nature, Science, and Cell, of which 18 were authored by SUSTech researchers serving as first or corresponding authors. In 2025, SUSTech achieved a Nature Index fractional count (FC) of 443.86, ranking 20th globally and marking its highest position to date.

In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, SUSTech is ranked 160th globally and 12th in China. Additionally, in 2025, SUSTech’s materials science, chemistry, and engineering disciplines were ranked in the global top 1‰ according to the ESI rankings, with 17 disciplines in the global top 1%.

Leading Talent and Academic Excellence

SUSTech adopts a dynamic, flexible approach to attract top-tier international talent, building a distinguished and diverse faculty team. With over 1,300 faculty members, it boasts a faculty that includes 394 members selected for national-level talent programs. This includes 57 recipients of the “National Natural Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars”, and 42 winners of the “National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) for Outstanding Young Scholars”. More than 90% of our tenure-line faculty have international work experience, over 60% have studied or worked at universities ranked among the world’s top 100, and over 50% are recognized as high-level talent in their fields. In 2025, approvals under the NSFC Young Scientists Fund (A Class) reached a record high, while the university continued to rank first in Guangdong Province in terms of cumulative approvals over the years. Funding for NSFC Key Projects remained at a consistently high level for the second consecutive year, with an improved success rate compared with the previous year. In addition, projects of SUSTech achieved a selection rate of 38.67% in the first round of NSFC Science Fund Program for Excellent Young Scientists (Overseas), the highest on record.

SUSTech’s status as Shenzhen’s leading talent hub was solidified in 2017 when it produced the city’s first locally trained academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. In 2025, three Chair Professors—Xia Haiping, Liu Weiping, and Li Jun—were newly elected as Academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Several SUSTech faculty members have also received prestigious international awards. President and Academician Xue Qikun was honored with the State Supreme Science and Technology Award as well as the Tengchong Science Award. Professor Hu Qing from the School of Environmental Science and Engineering won the First-Class National Award for Technological Invention. Six faculty members, including Chair Professor He Jiaqing from the Department of Physics and Chair Professor Jiang Xingyu from the Department of Biomedical Engineering, served as principal researchers in projects awarded First-Class Guangdong Provincial Natural Science Award. Furthermore, seven faculty members, including Professor Zhu Shujia from the School of Life Sciences, were awarded the Xplorer Prize.

A Talent Ecosystem of Excellence, Respect, and Inclusion

SUSTech fosters a highly internationalized faculty and is committed to cultivating a talent ecosystem grounded in excellence, respect, and inclusion, supported by strong academic governance. The university employs internationally recognized faculty models, including the “tenure track” and “Principal Investigator (PI)” systems, offering competitive salaries and comprehensive support, such as research startup funding, lab space, and mentorship opportunities. Faculty members enjoy the autonomy to build research teams and pursue scientific inquiry independently. To support faculty development, SUSTech leverages academic committees and international peer reviews, creating an environment of continuous growth.

Aligned with national strategic priorities, the university has adopted an organized research model focusing on the “PI + team + platform” approach, strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration and expanding talent development platforms. SUSTech is committed to a culture that values knowledge, respects talent, and encourages innovation.. Our Faculty Committee plays a key role in involving faculty in governance and decision-making processes. At SUSTech, open and direct communication with faculty is a core value. Faculty members can engage in strategy meetings and faculty congresses, where diverse perspectives are not only valued but also effectively integrated into decision-making processes. Key administrative departments, including the Office of Research, Office of Teaching Affairs, Office of Human Resources, and Graduate School, are led by experienced professors who understand faculty needs and deliver personalized support for them. SUSTech also values international collaboration, engaging in academic exchanges and interdisciplinary research projects with leading institutions worldwide.

A Campus Flourishing in Nature

SUSTech is situated in Shenzhen, a city that has transformed from a small town into a vibrant metropolis within just 45 years—a true symbol of innovation and progress. Known for its abundance of parks and gardens, Shenzhen offers a high quality of life with a business-friendly environment, mild climate, and fresh air. The SUSTech campus is situated in Nanshan District, Shenzhen’s high-tech heart, surrounded by various universities and research institutions. This offers a dynamic academic atmosphere while providing easy access to daily amenities and excellent transportation. Spanning 2.32 million square meters, our campus is set in a beautiful natural landscape, with rolling hills, lush lychee orchards, and the Dasha River winding through the grounds, adding to its charm. In the 2025 Soft Science Survey of Student Satisfaction among Chinese universities, SUSTech ranked first nationwide on the "Top 20 Universities for Student Satisfaction with Campus Environment" list, with a score of 89.6%.