The Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage (CECS) Research Group at the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH) is pleased to announce the recruitment of 05 PhD candidates in Chemistry to join cutting-edge research projects in advanced materials, electrocatalysis, and energy-related technologies.
The PhD program is designed for applicants who wish to pursue advanced research in an international academic environment, with comprehensive support in terms of academic supervision, financial funding, and research collaboration opportunities with national and international partners.
1. General Information
- Open Positions: 05 PhD Positions
- Programme: PhD in Chemistry (Code: 9440112)
- Application Opening Date: 04 August 2026
- Expected Start Date: Academic Year 2026–2027
2. Research Topics
Candidates will participate in one of the following research areas:
- Transition metal-based nanomaterials used as electrocatalysts for the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR).
- Catalyst research and device development for the water splitting process.
- Homogeneous electrocatalysis based on transition-metal complexes for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) and CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR).
- Synthesis of stimuli-responsive polymers/copolymers via controlled polymerization methods.
- Development of Graphene oxide-based nanocomposite materials for medical applications.
3. Benefits for PhD Candidates
Admitted candidates are eligible for USTH scholarship schemes in accordance with the University’s regulations for newly enrolled and current doctoral students.
In addition, PhD candidates joining the CECS Research Group will receive:
- 100% tuition fee waiver throughout the entire PhD program at USTH;
- Monthly living allowance starting from VND 10,000,000;
- Full financial support for research expenses directly related to the doctoral project;
- Funding to participate in national and international scientific conferences held in Vietnam;
- Opportunities for 3–6 month research internships at the research group’s partner laboratories abroad.
4. Study Mode and Duration
- Study mode: Full-time
- Duration:
- 03 years (36 months) for applicants holding a Master’s degree or an equivalent Level 7 qualification according to the Vietnam National Qualifications Framework;
- 04 years (48 months) for applicants graduating with an Excellent Bachelor’s degree.
5. Admission Method
Application dossier assessment and interview
Applicants who complete the required application documents must present and defend their research proposal before the Admission Interview Committee.
6. Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy one of the following requirements:
6.1. Academic Qualifications
- Applicants must hold a full-time Master’s degree, or a full-time Bachelor’s degree with very good grade or higher, or have completed a qualification equivalent to Level 7 in the Vietnamese Qualifications Framework in certain specialized training fields;
Applicants should have an academic background relevant to the PhD program or intended research field, including:
- Chemistry;
- Materials Science;
- Chemical Engineering;
- Applied Physics.
6.2. English Language Requirements
-
Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree or higher obtained through full-time study with English as the language of instruction or have a Bachelor’s degree in English Linguistics and Literature issued by a Vietnamese educational institution or must hold one of the following valid certificates of English language:
- TOEFL iBT 46 or higher;
- IELTS 5.5 or higher;
- TOEIC (Listening: 400; Reading: 385; Speaking: 160; Writing: 150 or higher);
- Cambridge Assessment English: B2 First/ Linguaskill 160 or higher;
- Aptis Esol: B2
- Other foreign language certificates equivalent to level 4 of the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Viet Nam approved by the Ministry of Education and Training.
6.3. Research Proposal
Applicants must submit a research proposal which is approved by their expected supervisors (see template)
7. Supervisors
- Each applicant can propose maximum 2 supervisors:
- At least one supervisor must be a full-time lecturer of USTH, or a French lecturer who is teaching or working at one of the university’s laboratories or affiliated laboratories in Vietnam;
- The other supervisor could be a scientist who works for a university or a research institute in Vietnam or abroad.
- The proposed supervisors must: hold a doctoral degree or higher and have at least 3 years of professional experience since obtaining the doctorate; be active researchers in the field of the PhD research topic during the three years prior to the commencement of PhD supervision; and meet other requirements as stipulated in Circular No. 18/2021/TT-BGDĐT dated June 26, 2021, issued by the Ministry of Education and Training.
8. Application Process
Step 1. Submit a Preliminary Application to the Research Group
Applicants should send their application by email to:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Dinh Phong
Email: tran-dinh.phong@usth.edu.vn
The preliminary application should include:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV), including academic background, employment history, and contact information for at least two referees;
- Copies of the highest academic degree and academic transcripts;
- A brief summary of previous research experience and completed research projects;
- Copies of valid English language certificates (if applicable);
- Full list and copies of scientific articles and publications in domestic and international journals (if any).
Step 2. Submit the Official USTH Admission Application
Applicants whose preliminary applications are approved by the CECS Research Group will be invited to complete and submit the official USTH doctoral admission application in accordance with the University’s regulations.
9.Tuition Fee (tentative)
23,000,000 VND / academic year (PhD candidates admitted to the CECS Research Group will receive a 100% tuition fee).
10. Application Fee
1,000,000 VND /dossier (non-refundable in all cases)
For more information about the Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage (CECS) Research Group, click HERE.
Contact
Department of Admissions and Communications
University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH)
Room 102, Building A21
Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST)
18 Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Nghia Do, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: (+84) 24 7772 7748 | (+84) 24 7774 7748
Email: admission@usth.edu.vn
