Introduction to Westlake University

Founded in February 2018, Westlake University is a forward-thinking institution in China, aspiring to lead in cutting-edge scientific research and transform higher education. Located in the picturesque city of Hangzhou, the university benefits from both private and public-sector support. Over the next decade, a new Department of Astronomy is being established within the School of Science, promoting an inclusive, international, and intellectually stimulating academic environment. English is the working language of the university; nearly all courses are taught in English.

Additional information about the Department of Astronomy can be found at: https://astro.westlake.edu.cn/en.

Job Description

The Department of Astronomy at Westlake University invites applications for one Shenkuo Astronomy FEllowship (SAFE). The fellowship is named after Shen Kuo, who was born in Hangzhou approximately one thousand years ago and made important discoveries in astronomy. Each fellow will have complete freedom to pursue their own independent research programs, with an annual 150k RMB research budget. The fellowship is for an initial period of two years, with a likely three-year extension based on satisfactory performance. All fellowship applicants will be automatically considered for additional postdoctoral positions within the Department.

Compensation and Benefits

1. The Westlake Astronomy Department offers internationally competitive compensation packages, commensurate with candidates’ qualifications and experience. The salary will be comparable to those of other US top astronomy fellowships. Funding applications to various research councils will be encouraged and supported.

2. The university provides housing subsidies, supplementary commercial insurance, an annual health check-up.

3. The university assists with enrolling children in childcare and school.

4. The university boasts comprehensive postdoctoral training, with programs including the Westlake University Outstanding Postdoctoral Fellows and Westlake Postdoctoral Fellowship for Women.

5. The Hangzhou municipal government provides additional benefits for postdocs.

Funding

1. Postdocs receive a living allowance and research funding from the Hangzhou municipal government.

2. Recipients of funding from the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation or the Zhejiang Province Selected Funding for Postdoctoral Research Projects are entitled to supplementary funding of the same amount from the Hangzhou municipal government.

3. Postdocs who work full-time in Hangzhou after completing their postdoctoral research qualify for an allowance of 400,000 RMB from the Hangzhou municipal government.

4. Eligible new university graduates holding a doctoral degree or equivalent who work full time in Hangzhou (including those who studied abroad and returned to China within 5 years of graduation as well as foreign talent) can apply to the Hangzhou municipal government for a living allowance of 100,000 RMB.

5. Postdocs recognized as high-level talent in Hangzhou enjoy corresponding preferential policies.

How to Apply

Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, or a related field. The application package must include a curriculum vitae (CV), a list of publications, and a research statement describing both past and planned research (4 pages, excluding the list of references). Applicants should indicate in their research statement which group(s) within the department they are interested in working in. Applications should be submitted electronically via Interfolio: https://apply.interfolio.com/178409 . Additionally, applicants should arrange for at least three letters of recommendation to be sent through Interfolio by the application deadline.

Link to Online Application: https://apply.interfolio.com/178409

Publication Start Date: December 1, 2025

Application Deadline: December 31, 2025

Archive Date: December 31, 2025

Selection Deadline: February 1, 2026

Inquiries

Name: Ms. Shaozhi PAN

Email: astrojob@westlake.edu.cn