The Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai) (SML) is a provincial research institution initiated by Guangdong Province and Zhuhai Municipality and operated by Sun Yat-sen University. Committed to becoming a world-class laboratory, SML has established collaborative partnerships with 43 universities, research institutes, and enterprises both domestically and internationally, enhancing the breadth and depth of marine scientific research through joint contributions, shared interests, and mutually beneficial development. Guided by the principle of targeting global scientific frontiers, serving major national needs, and supporting local economic growth, SML pursues excellence in marine science and engineering.
SML implements a director-led governance system under the supervision of the governing board and the guidance of the academic committee. To address needs across scientific exploration, economic development, national strategy, and human health, SML has established an integrated organizational structure comprising goal-oriented Innovative Research Teams, a free-spirited Frontier Research Centre, openly-shared Public Platforms, and highly efficient Administrative Departments.
SML focuses on four core tasks: Marine Ranching and Healthy Aquaculture, Marine Engineering and Intelligent Equipment, Marine Safety and Disaster Prevention, and Marine Ecological Environment and Carbon Sink. Located in the Marine Science Complex on the Zhuhai campus of Sun Yat-sen University, SML occupies a main building area of over 100,000 square meters. It is equipped with advanced facilities, including an intelligent carrier of unmanned observing systems, Zhuhaiyun, a comprehensive research and training vessel, Zhong Shan Da Xue, a world-leading supercomputer, Tianhe-2, and a suite of experimental facilities for ocean engineering.
SML currently has over 1,100 employees and affiliated members, including more than 150 national-level leading talents. This forms a robust talent ecosystem led by leading scientists and supported by dynamic young researchers and engineers. SML is now entering a phase of full-scale operation with abundant opportunities. We cordially invite outstanding talents from around the world to apply for the Overseas Outstanding Young Scientists Fund through SML to settle down in Zhuhai, build a successful career, and jointly shape the future of marine science.
Ⅰ.About the Excellent Young Scientists Fund Program (Overseas)
The program aims to attract and encourage outstanding young scholars from overseas (including non-Chinese foreign talents) who have made significant achievements in natural sciences, engineering, and technology to return to (or come to) China for work. It supports them in conducting independent, cutting-edge research in China, fostering the rapid growth of scientific and technological talents, and cultivating future academic leaders to contribute to China’s scientific advancement.
Ⅱ.Application Criteria（Please refer to the formal notice to be officially released in 2026.）
1.Comply with the laws and regulations of the People’s Republic of China, uphold scientific ethics, and embody the spirit of scientists in the new era.
2.Born on or after January 1, 1986.
3.Hold a doctoral degree.
4.Research mainly focus on natural sciences, engineering, or related fields.
5.After obtaining a doctoral degree, candidates must have held formal teaching or research positions at overseas universities, research institutions, or corporate R&D departments for at least 36 consecutive months prior to April 15, 2026. Exceptional candidates with overseas doctoral degrees may receive relaxed work experience requirements (excludes joint doctoral programs).Years spent in paid positions within China during overseas employment will not be counted into the overseas work experience.
6.Demonstrate peer-recognized research achievements and potential to become an academic leader or distinguished talent in the field.
7.Applicants who have not yet returned to work in China or who returned to work in China on or after January 1, 2025, must resign from overseas positions and work full-time in China for at least three years upon receiving the grant.
Restrictive Requirements: Individuals at the same level of the national science and technology talent plan can only undertake one project and are not allowed to apply for projects at a lower level.
Ⅲ.Application Process
1.Outstanding overseas young scholars interested in applying through SML are requested to send their CV (CV template available in the attachment.doc) to nfhyzp@sml-zhuhai.cn. Please indicate "Application for the Overseas Outstanding Young Scholars Program" in the email subject line (e.g., "Name - Application for Excellent Young Scientists Fund Program (Overseas) "). The CV should include personal details, contact information, educational and professional background, key academic achievements, research plan, and team-building plan. Once mutual interest in collaboration is established, SML will provide comprehensive guidance throughout the application process.
2.For eligible applicants, SML will arrange to sign a Intentional work agreement and assign dedicated personnel to assist with the application. Applicants are required to complete the Overseas Outstanding Young Scientists Fund Application Form online via the application system (https://grants.nsfc.gov.cn/) in accordance with the program guidelines. Applicants are responsible for the authenticity of all submitted materials.
3.The Overseas Outstanding Young Scientists Fund program adopts a paperless application process. Applicants must complete the online application form in simplified Chinese or English, following the instructions and outline provided. Electronic submissions, including the application form, attachments, and a statement of integrity, should be submitted online to SML. SML will review and submit the materials to the NSFC.
Ⅳ. Compensation and Support
1.Position and Remuneration
Generally hired as a Senior Researcher at SML. The position offers internationally competitive compensation with high-standard contributions to the insurance and housing fund.
2.Benefits and Services
（1）In addition to national and local living subsidies, SML provides a high-level talent housing subsidy of 500,000 to 2,000,000 RMB (pre-tax).
（2）Eligible to apply for purchasing or renting Zhuhai’s talent housing.
（3）Leveraging the high-quality resources of Sun Yat-sen University Zhuhai Campus—including affiliated primary and secondary schools, hospitals, libraries, gymnasiums, and canteens—SML offers excellent educational resources for children, high-standard medical services, and comfortable living and working environments.
（4）Dedicated personnel assist with applications for national, provincial, and municipal talent programs, as well as services such as household registration, permanent residence permits for foreigners, and school enrollment for children.
3.Research Support
（1）National funding support: 1,000,000 to 3,000,000 RMB (over 3 years).
（2）Local matching funds of up to 1:1 ratio
（3）SML matching funds of 500,000 to 1,500,000 RMB.
（4）Support for obtaining doctoral supervisor qualifications through Sun Yat-sen University, with guaranteed quotas for doctoral and master’s students.
（5）Appointed as a Principal Investigator (PI) at Frontier Research Centre, with SML funding to recruit outstanding researchers or postdoctoral researchers to form teams.
（6）Seven Public Platforms provide technical research support. SML provides office and laboratory space.
Ⅴ. Contacts
Ms. Hu
Email: nfhyzp@sml-zhuhai.cn
Tel: +86-0756-3923586
(The specific implementation of the above support policies shall be subject to the official approval outcome. In the event of policy adjustments, provisions will be updated in accordance with relevant regulations.)
Welcome to visit our official website for more details
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