Institute Overview: 

The Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) is China’s only comprehensive academic research institution specializing in the studies of life processes of inland aquatic organisms, ecological environment protection and utilization of biological resources.    

The IHB has 15 academicians of Chinese Academy of Sciences in history. By Jan. 2024，there are 343 regular faculty and staff members, including 306 research and technological personnel. Among them, there are 5 academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 3 academicians of the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World, 86 professors of the equivalent, and 108 associate professors of the equivalent. There are 112 postdoctoral fellows and 739 graduate students.  

The institute currently possesses four national-level platforms including the State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology (Key Laboratory of Aquatic Germplasm Resources Utilization and High-Efficiency Aquaculture, Key Laboratory of Lake and Watershed Safety), the National Research Center for Freshwater Fisheries Engineering and National Aquatic Biological Resource Center, as well as eight provincial and ministerial-level laboratories and research centers, four national and provincial field stations, and other support platforms. 

As China’s only comprehensive academic research institution specializing in the studies of life processes of inland aquatic organisms, ecological environment protection and utilization of biological resources, IHB aims to satisfy the country’s strategic demands for water environment protection, fishery sustainable development and microalgal biotechnology. In order to achieve this goal, IHB addresses the fundamental, strategic and prospective S&T issues in its specialized fields, with special emphasis on the major theoretic innovation and breakthroughs in core technologies. Meantime, IHB endeavors to increase and extend the values created by these innovations and breakthroughs, and plays an irreplaceable role in water environment protection, freshwater fishery and microalgal biotechnology. 

Invitation to Apply for 2024 NSFC Fund  

The National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) has launched the Science Fundation Program for Outstanding Young Scholars (Overseas) with the aim of attracting and encouraging outstanding young scholars, both home and abroad (including foreign scholars), who have made achievements in natural science, engineering and technology to carry out innovative research in their chosen fields of study in China. 

Following IHB’s research layout and the demands of disciplinary development, we are extending invitations to outstanding young talents from home and abroad to apply for the 2024 NSFC Fund through IHB to conduct research related to inland water body life processes. 

I. Disciplinary Focus 

We seek applicants with expertise in disciplines and research areas related to Aquaculture Science, Water ecology and Environmental Science, Hydrobiology, and related fields. 

II. Eligibility 

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must: 

1. Abide by the laws and regulations of the People’s Republic of China, showcasing strong scientific ethics, and embodying the spirit of cutting-edge researchers in today's academic landscape; 

2. Born after January 1, 1984 (inclusive) ; 

3. Hold a PhD degree in relevant areas; 

4. Engage in research within the realms of life science, engineering and information, or related domains. 

5. Have obtained a formal teaching or research position in an overseas university, research institution, or corporate R&D establishment, with a minimum of 36 consecutive months of experience by April 15, 2024. Exceptions may be considered for candidates with exceptional performance who obtained their doctorate overseas. 

6. Possess achievements of scientific research or technology recognized by peer experts, demonstrating the potential to emerge as an academic leader or outstanding talents in related field; 

7. Have not yet returned to work in China on a full-time basis, or have returned to work in China after January 1, 2023. Successful applicants must resign from overseas positions upon notification of funding approval and commit to at least 3 years of full-time work in China. 

III. IHB Remuneration and Benefits 

1. Appointment as a Professor with a permanent teaching post, and entitled to benefits and treatment corresponding to senior professional and technical positions. 

2. Provision of research startup funds of up to 9 million RMB, inclusive of ample office and laboratory space, top-notch research facilities, and access to national key laboratories. 

3. Immediate recognition as a doctoral supervisor, with priority ensured for the first three years of graduate student enrollment quotas. Assistance in building research teams, encouraging the recruitment of special research assistants/postdoctoral fellows, and providing sufficient postdoctoral recruitment quotas. 

4. Competitive salary package with no upper limit on research performance, coupled with eligibility for high-level scientific and technological innovation awards, contribution awards, and other rewards within the institute. 

5. Generous talent settlement allowance, including well-equipped talent housing in the residential area of the institute and favorable living support conditions. 

6. Assistance with enrollment of children in preferred local schools and support in seeking employment opportunities for spouses. Talents are entitled to benefits such as medical care, annual physical examinations, provident fund, pension insurance, occupational annuities, and various talent convenience services offered through Hubei’s "Chucai Card Program", covering medical care, transportation, children's schooling, etc. 

IV. Application Procedure 

1. Please submit your comprehensive CV to the HR administrator of IHB (listed below) by 30th March, 2024, with the subject line “Apply for 2024 NSFC Fund”. We will further contact you and assign a dedicated individual to guide you through the application process, offering comprehensive support and advice on project application policies and peer expert guidance. 

2. We warmly welcome talents from home and abroad to visit the institute for academic exchanges, with round-trip travel expenses covered by the institute. 

3. For exceptionally talented individuals who do not fully meet the aforementioned criteria,  the institute will consider alternative scientific and technological positions through tailored negotiations. 

4. We extend an open invitation to all prospective talents to reach out to us for further discussions via email, telephone, or other communication channels. 

V. Contact Information 

Website: www.ihb.ac.cn 

Contact: Mr. Wei, Ms. Zhang  

Tel：86-27-68780052, 68780669 

Fax: 86-27-68780123 

Email：weike@ihb.ac.cn，zhmi@ihb.ac.cn 

Address: No. 7 Donghu South Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, Hubei Province 

Postal Code: 430072 

Feel free to follow IHB’s official WeChat account.