In line with the group’s development needs, we are currently seeking to hire several postdoctoral researchers in the fields of mechanics, metamaterials, robotics, and related areas. The research group is currently conducting multiple projects, has ample funding, and offers excellent research conditions, providing all members with a strong research platform and opportunities for professional growth.

1. Research Group Introduction

The Motion Structure Laboratory was established at Tianjin University in 2012 by Professor Chen Yan, a recipient of the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars. It currently has nearly 20 members, including Professor Chen Yan and Professor Ma Jiayao, a recipient of the National Science Fund for Excellent Young Scholars. Centered on origami engineering, the laboratory focuses on cutting-edge areas such as deployable structures, mechanical metamaterials, and mechanical-intelligence robots. In recent years, the team has published over 140 papers in top journals including Science, Science Advances, Nature Communications, Advanced Materials, and Mechanism and Machine Theory. Among these, the paper “Origami of Thick Panels,” published in Science, marks the first such publication in the fields of mechanism theory and mechanical engineering in China. The laboratory has also received numerous honors, including the First Prize in Natural Sciences from the Ministry of Education’s Award for Outstanding Achievements in Scientific Research. Due to project needs, we are now actively recruiting academic leaders, postdoctoral researchers, and doctoral students in the fields of mechanics, metamaterials, and robotics. We welcome all aspiring scholars to join us!

2. Postdoctoral Researcher Recruitment

Job Requirements:

1. Obtained a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering, mechanics, civil engineering, or a related field, or be scheduled for thesis defense;
2. Possesses strong skills in reading English-language literature and the ability to write scientific papers and grant proposals in both Chinese and English;
3. Has published high-quality academic work in a relevant field, demonstrates a strong passion and drive for scientific research, upholds strong work ethics, and is a good team player.

Job Benefits:

Base annual salary: 250,000–350,000 RMB; for those selected for nationally funded postdoctoral programs, national funding will be provided on top of university benefits. Postdoctoral fellows are entitled to the same social insurance, housing provident fund, annual physical examinations, and Tianjin residency benefits as university faculty, and may apply for postdoctoral housing. Upon completion of the program, those who meet the university’s open recruitment criteria for that year may apply for faculty positions.

3. How to Apply

We welcome outstanding scholars interested in cutting-edge research in origami engineering, mechanics, metamaterials, and robotics to join the Motion Structure Laboratory at Tianjin University. Please send your application to yan_chen@tju.edu.cn with the subject line “Name + Position Applied For.” The research group will schedule interviews with qualified applicants as soon as possible.

The group is also actively recruiting early-career faculty and Ph.D. students on an ongoing basis. Interested candidates may contact us directly.

For more information about the team, please visit our official website at http://motionstructures.tju.edu.cn/. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via email at any time!