Chenlei Leng

Chenlei Leng

He/Him/His

Chair Professor of Statistics and Machine Learning

🚀 Join Our Team

We seek brilliant minds with mathematical rigor and creative curiosity to advance the theoretical foundations of modern data science. If you’re passionate about statistics, machine learning, and mathematics, join our collaborative research team.

📢 Open Positions

🔬 PhD Students

Rolling admissions | Fully-funded scholarships available

We seek candidates with strong backgrounds in mathematics, statistics, or theoretical computer science. Ideal applicants show passion for developing novel theories for data-driven challenges. Minimum GPA: 85/100 from a 985 university, or 80/100 from a top-7 Chinese university (or international equivalent). Prior research experience is a strong plus.

Review my recent publications to ensure research alignment.

Collaborative PhD Programmes

We participate in two international collaboration schemes:

  • Dual PhD Degree Programmes (Details)
    Earn two separate PhD degrees from PolyU and a partner university. Students split time between institutions and fulfill both programmes’ requirements.

  • Joint PhD Supervision Scheme (Details)
    Current PhD students from leading global universities spend 12 months at PolyU as Research Assistants under joint supervision.

🧪 Postdoctoral Fellows

Recent PhD graduates with exceptional records in statistical theory, machine learning, or related fields. One position is open as of June 2026. Contact me directly.

💡 Summer Research Interns

Outstanding undergraduate or master’s students gain hands-on research experience under direct mentorship.

Note: Internships are voluntary and unfunded. Preference for top-tier students with excellent records.

📄 How to Apply

Email Prof. Chenlei Leng at 📧 chenlei.leng@polyu.edu.hk with subject:
“Application – [Position] – [Your Name]”

📎 Required for All Applicants

  • CV
  • Research Statement – interests, background, and motivation

🎓 Additional for PhD Applicants

  • Academic transcripts
  • In your research statement, address:
    • How your interests connect to our research themes
    • Your perspective on 1-2 open challenges in our field (beyond summarizing existing work)

🌐 Additional for Intern Applicants

  • Availability (dates and duration)
  • Learning objectives
  • Relevant coursework and technical skills

🏫 About Our Research Environment

Our group is part of a vibrant research community at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, in one of Asia’s most dynamic innovation hubs.

⏳ After You Apply

We carefully review every application. If your background aligns with our needs, we will contact you within two weeks. Due to volume, we cannot respond individually to all inquiries.

We look forward to exploring how your talents could contribute to groundbreaking research!