PhD Recruitment | Fully Funded PhD Positions at StructurAI Lab, The University of Hong Kong — 2027 Intake
About the Supervisor
Prof. Dr. Kam-Ming Mark Tam joined the Department of Architecture at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) in January 2024 as Assistant Professor of Architectural Structures and founded the StructurAI Lab (Structural Intelligence Laboratory). He received his doctorate from ETH Zürich, following a Master’s degree in Structural Engineering from MIT, and Master of Architecture and Honours Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Waterloo.
Tam’s research lies at the intersection of artificial intelligence and architectural structures, with a particular focus on graph machine learning, physics-informed machine learning, differentiable computation, structural optimisation, and generative design. He also co-chairs the IASS Study Group on “AI-Informed Structural Engineering & Design.”
Over the past two years, research from the group has received international paper distinctions including the IASS Hangai Prize, IASS–IWSS Nervi Prize Honourable Mention, and CAAD Futures Best Paper Honourable Mention, alongside research funding from the RGC and DAAD. Tam has also received research funding from the RGC and SNSF, as well as international academic distinctions including the ETH Zürich Silver Medal, IASS Tsuboi Award, and ARCC King Medal.
Research Areas and PhD Topics
1) Graph Machine Learning & Geometric Deep Learning
Graph representations of architectural and structural systems, multiscale learning, and multimodal data fusion.
2) Physics-Informed Machine Learning & Computational Mechanics
Differentiable physics, differentiable finite element methods, physics-constrained machine learning, and structural digital twins.
3) Generative Structural Design & Optimisation
Generative AI, inverse design, structural form generation, and topology/structural optimisation.
4) Intelligent Building Modelling & Digital Twins
BIM, building graph models, computer vision, 3D reconstruction, and building performance learning.
Our research integrates artificial intelligence, computational mechanics, structural engineering, and architectural computation. Specific PhD topics will be developed jointly according to each candidate’s academic background and research interests.
The lab maintains close collaborations with both academia and industry, including international partners such as Arup.
Candidate Profile
Applicants should meet the following requirements by the time of enrolment:
1) Hold, or expect to obtain, a Bachelor’s degree or above in a relevant discipline, including but not limited to Architecture, Civil/Structural Engineering, Mechanics, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Computational Design, or related fields.
2) Demonstrate an excellent academic record, normally equivalent to First Class Honours / Distinction or GPA ≥ 3.8/4.0 (or equivalent).
3) Preference will be given to applicants whose undergraduate degree is from a QS Top 100 university; for applicants from Mainland China, from a 985/211/Double First-Class university with an overall domestic ranking of approximately Top 25; or from a leading university in the applicant’s home country. Candidates with an exceptionally strong class ranking, research record, publications, or major academic awards may be considered individually.
4) Demonstrate strong research potential and a clear interest in one or more of the research areas above. Experience in Python, machine learning, scientific computing, FEM, computational design, or related research is particularly welcome.
The lab welcomes applicants from different countries, regions, and disciplinary backgrounds, and encourages outstanding candidates with diverse educational and research experiences to apply.
Funding and Support
Candidates with particularly strong academic profiles will be strongly encouraged and supported to apply concurrently for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) and the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme (HKU-PS). Successful candidates may receive a stipend, full tuition-fee waiver, and conference and research travel support, with a total funding package of up to approximately HK$1.73 million over four years.
Other admitted full-time PhD students may receive the HKU Postgraduate Scholarship (PGS), currently approximately HK$19,000–20,000 per month, subject to the University’s prevailing rates.
The lab actively supports PhD students in participating in international conferences, research visits, and collaborative projects abroad. Through our long-standing international research network, students may also have opportunities to undertake research visits and exchanges at ETH Zürich, TUM, and leading universities in the United States.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send the following materials to:
Prof. Dr. Kam-Ming Mark Tam
kmmt@hku.hk
Application Materials
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Academic Transcript(s)
Research Statement
Representative publications, portfolios, and/or links to code repositories may also be included where relevant.
Email subject: HKU PhD Application 2027
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview with the StructurAI Lab.