Chenlei Leng

Chenlei Leng

He/Him/His

Chair Professor of Statistics and Machine Learning

🚀 Join Our Research Team

I am actively recruiting PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, and summer interns with strong mathematical and statistical foundations, and a genuine curiosity for theory-driven advances in modern data science. If you’re passionate about tackling challenging problems with rigor and creativity, I invite you to apply.

Open Positions

PhD Students

Application Deadline for Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) / PolyU Presidential PhD Fellowship Scheme: December 1, 2025

I seek candidates with rigorous training in mathematics, statistics, or computer science. A solid theoretical foundation and keen interest in data science theory are essential.

Prospective PhD applicants are strongly encouraged to review my recent publications to understand my research direction and expectations.

Postdoctoral Fellows

Positions available for recent PhD graduates with strong research backgrounds in statistical theory, machine learning, or related fields. See job advertisement on how to apply.

Summer Interns

I welcome applications from motivated students interested in research experience in theoretical data science.

Note:

  • Ideal candidates come from top universities with outstanding academic records
  • Internship positions are unfunded and offered on a voluntary basis

How to Apply

Email me at 📧 chenlei.leng@polyu.edu.hk with the following documents:

Required for All Applicants

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Academic transcripts
  • Research statement

Additional Requirements by Position

PhD Applicants

Your research statement should address:

  • Your specific research interests
  • Your perspective on open problems in my research field

This helps me assess your critical thinking, motivation, and alignment with my research—beyond a simple summary of my published work.

Intern Applicants

Please also include in your research statement:

  • Your availability (dates/duration)
  • What you hope to gain from the internship
  • Relevant coursework and technical skills

Additional Information

PhD Program Details

What to Expect

While I cannot respond to every inquiry, I carefully review all applications and will contact candidates who are a strong fit for our research team. If you do not hear from us within two weeks, please assume that your application was not successful this time.