Postdoctoral Positions in Shi Gu’s Group at Zhejiang University

We look to the brain’s organization, learning principles, and cognitive mechanisms for insights into how artificial intelligence can advance. Our aim is to develop models that accumulate knowledge over time, adapt to new tasks, and perceive, reason, and act in the real world.

Shi Gu’s group at the College of Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang University, based in the State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, invites applications for postdoctoral positions from candidates worldwide. We welcome early-career researchers interested in the intersection of artificial intelligence and neuroscience. The positions are based in Hangzhou, China.

About the Group

Shi Gu is a tenured associate professor and PhD supervisor at Zhejiang University and a researcher at the State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence. He received his bachelor’s degree from Tsinghua University and his PhD from the University of Pennsylvania.

Our research explores computational principles shared by the brain and artificial intelligence. The group has an established research record in brain network control, neural network modularity, learning in spiking neural networks, and interpretable AI, with publications in Nature Machine Intelligence, Nature Communications, Science Advances, and PNAS, as well as at ICML, NeurIPS, and ICLR. Shi Gu serves as a Senior Area Chair for ICML, an Area Chair for NeurIPS and ICLR, and an Action Editor for Transactions on Machine Learning Research (TMLR).

We seek to connect neural mechanisms, theoretical analysis, and model design, and use rigorous experiments to test whether these connections can translate into practical capabilities for learning and adaptation.

Priority Research Areas

A research background in any one of the following areas is sufficient. These research directions are supported by projects under the Key Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), national major research projects in brain science and brain-inspired intelligence, and other programs. Research plans and approaches are already in place, with ample funding to support the work. We also welcome applicants who wish to propose independent research questions based on their expertise and help develop new directions with the group.

1. Brain-Inspired Learning, Memory, and AI Architectures

We investigate how task demands and learning shape neural network organization and functional specialization, and explore mechanisms of neural plasticity, memory organization, and continual learning. Topics include modular and dynamic architectures, brain-inspired memory models, long-term knowledge updating, and the interpretation and mechanistic analysis of AI models. We aim to understand how intelligent systems develop stable knowledge structures while retaining the ability to learn new information.

2. Virtual Brain Modeling and Cognitive Modulation

We integrate multimodal neural data, brain structural constraints, and dynamical mechanisms to develop multiscale, individualized virtual brain models and investigate how brain activity supports memory, attention, and decision-making. Through brain-state decoding, prediction of cognitive-state dynamics, and simulation of interventions, we explore model-driven approaches to cognitive modulation that incorporate brain-computer interfaces and closed-loop feedback. This work connects the modeling of neural mechanisms, prediction of intervention effects, and experimental validation.

3. Spiking Computing, Brain-Inspired Embodied AI, and Autonomous Agents

We study efficient learning and temporal computation in spiking neural networks and hybrid architectures, vision-language-action models, and perception, memory, reasoning, and decision-making in agents engaged in ongoing interaction. Topics include memory and online adaptation in long-horizon tasks, efficient perception and control, and the co-design and validation of algorithms and neuromorphic hardware.

Who We Are Looking For

• Candidates who hold, or are nearing completion of, a PhD in computer science, AI, mathematics, physics, electrical or information engineering, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, or a related field, and meet the eligibility requirements for the relevant postdoctoral appointment.
• A strong foundation in theoretical analysis, computational modeling, algorithm design, or engineering implementation, with the ability to formulate research questions and pursue them independently.
• Research outputs that demonstrate the candidate’s own contributions, together with strong English reading, writing, and academic communication skills.
• Curiosity about scientific questions and a commitment to research integrity, rigorous experimentation, reproducibility, and collaboration.

Compensation and Career Development

We support eligible candidates in applying for Zhejiang University’s Qiushi Postdoctoral Program and postdoctoral positions at Liangzhu Laboratory. Compensation and benefits depend on the appointment track and selection outcome.

Zhejiang University Qiushi Postdoctoral Program

Successful applicants receive an annual salary of RMB 300,000 from the university, with funding for two to three years. Social insurance, occupational annuity, and housing provident fund contributions are provided in accordance with applicable policies. Fellows may apply to rent university faculty apartments. On joining the university, fellows are designated as Assistant Researchers and may apply for assessment for the Associate Researcher title after two years in the program. Application rounds and eligibility requirements are governed by official university announcements.

2026 Zhejiang University Qiushi Postdoctoral Program Announcement

Liangzhu Laboratory Postdoctoral Positions

The reference total annual compensation package is RMB 330,000–380,000, based on published recruitment notices. Funding for these positions is provided for two to three years, with specific arrangements subject to the appointment agreement and current policies. The package includes local government living subsidies available to eligible recipients. Actual compensation depends on the appointment type, individual eligibility, selection outcome, and applicable policies.

Liangzhu Laboratory Postdoctoral Regulations Directory, including the 2025 revision

Research and Professional Development

We support postdoctoral researchers in pursuing independent research based on their expertise, participating in interdisciplinary collaborations, applying for postdoctoral fellowships, research grants, and talent programs, and taking part in domestic and international academic exchanges. Research and professional development plans will be developed jointly with each postdoctoral researcher, taking their research interests and career goals into account.

How to Apply

For your initial application, please send only your CV and a brief research statement.

The research statement may be included directly in the email body and should briefly describe your research interests, the questions you would like to explore, and how they connect with the group’s research.

• Email: gus@zju.edu.cn
• Email subject: Postdoc Application — Name — Research Area
• Group website: https://guslab.org/

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for further discussion and interviews. We welcome inquiries from early-career researchers interested in the mechanisms of intelligence and new approaches to AI, as well as referrals from colleagues.