Postgraduate Researcher (PhD)

Join Our PhD Program in New Energy Science & Engineering at Xiamen University Malaysia!

Are you passionate about sustainable energy, AI-driven modelling, and advanced materials for clean power applications? We invite talented and motivated applicants to pursue a PhD under the Department of New Energy Science and Engineering at Xiamen University Malaysia!

Research Focus Areas:

1. Transforming Palm Waste into Biocatalysts for Hydrogen Generation & Clean Power Production – AI-Enhanced Experimentation & Modelling

   This cutting-edge research integrates:

   1. Biomass valorization: Converting palm waste into efficient biocatalysts for green hydrogen production.
   2. AI & Machine Learning: Optimizing process parameters, predicting reaction kinetics, and enhancing system efficiency through data-driven modelling.
   3. Hybrid Experimental-Modelling Approach: Bridging lab-scale experiments with computational simulations for scalable clean energy solutions.

   Research Novelty & Recent Directions:

   1. Novel biocatalyst design for enhanced hydrogen yield.
   2. AI-powered process optimization – reducing trial-and-error in reactor design and operation.
   3. Integration with fuel cells for direct clean power generation from hydrogen.
2. Sustainable Biocarbon from Palm Waste for Supercapacitor Materials – Next-Gen Energy Storage

   An alternative research direction focuses on:

   1. Advanced biocarbon synthesis: Converting palm waste into high-performance porous carbon for supercapacitor electrodes.
   2. AI-assisted material optimization: Machine learning-guided tuning of porosity, surface area, and conductivity for ultrahigh energy storage.
   3. Hybrid energy systems: Coupling biocarbon supercapacitors with renewable energy sources for stable, high-efficiency power delivery.

   Research Novelty & Recent Directions:

   1. Green electrode materials – replacing conventional carbon with sustainable palm-derived alternatives.
   2. AI-driven property prediction – accelerating material discovery for higher capacitance & cycling stability.
   3. Circular economy integration – transforming agro-waste into high-value energy storage components.

Who Should Apply?

Candidates with a strong background in chemical/energy engineering, materials science, or related fields.

Prior experience in experimental work (e.g., biocatalysis, electrochemistry, material synthesis, supercapacitor testing) and/or modelling (CFD, ML, DFT, kinetic modelling) is a plus.

Publication record (journal/conference papers) is advantageous.

Fresh undergraduates with CGPA > 3.5 (First Class) may apply for fast-track PhD under excellent academic merit.

Financial Support:

Tuition fee waivers are available for outstanding candidates.

Monthly stipend (performance-based) for committed researchers.

Starting Date:

June – September 2025 (flexible for the right candidate).

How to Apply?

Send your CV, academic transcripts, and a brief research statement to guoren.mong@xmu.edu.my. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Shape the future of renewable energy and energy storage with groundbreaking research!