Student Research Opportunities

Professor Yao Chen’s group at the School of Computer Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), welcomes motivated PhD students, Master’s students, and Undergraduate Research Assistants.

Our work spans algorithms, computer architecture, and hardware implementation, with the goal of building efficient computing systems for emerging applications. Applicants from all universities and academic backgrounds are encouraged to contact us.

Study Opportunities

PhD

Doctoral Researchers

For candidates who want to investigate fundamental systems questions, build rigorous prototypes, and contribute original research to the international architecture and systems community.

Sustained, in-depth research training
End-to-end ownership of a research problem
Preparation for academic or industrial R&D careers

MSc

Master’s Students

For candidates ready to deepen their systems knowledge, gain hands-on experience with advanced tools and platforms, and grow toward independent research.

Structured research mentorship
Hands-on system design and implementation
A pathway toward advanced research or R&D

URA

Undergraduate Research Assistants

For undergraduate students eager to explore research alongside their studies, contribute to focused projects, and build foundations for graduate study or systems R&D.

A mentored introduction to academic research
Hands-on programming, FPGA, or systems tasks
Opportunities to develop longer-term research projects

Degree admission, programme requirements, and financial support follow current HUST policies. Undergraduate research arrangements will be discussed individually with shortlisted applicants.

Research Areas

Students are encouraged to connect ideas across the full stack—from applications and algorithms to architectures and FPGA prototypes.

Computer Architecture

Future architectures for the convergence of supercomputing and intelligent computing.

Domain-Specific Accelerators

FPGA-enabled architectures for data-intensive and emerging applications.

Hardware–Software Co-design

Efficient ML and graph accelerators, heterogeneous systems, and on-device AI.

Electronic Design Automation

Domain-specific high-level synthesis and automated architecture generation.

Who Should Apply

We value evidence of potential rather than a single definition of the “perfect” candidate. Undergraduate and graduate applicants from computer science, electronic engineering, automation, mathematics, and related disciplines are welcome.

A strong interest in computer systems, architecture, or hardware acceleration

Solid programming, analytical, and problem-solving foundations

Initiative, resilience, and the ability to communicate and collaborate

Research, FPGA, EDA, or systems experience is helpful, but not required

How to Apply

Send a concise email to chenyao_cs@hust.edu.cn. Tell us what you have worked on, what you hope to explore, and why this group is a good fit for your goals.

Suggested subject: Prospective Student Researcher — Level — Name — University

Curriculum vitaeEducation, projects, research, publications, awards, and technical skills.
Academic transcriptsUnofficial copies are acceptable for the initial enquiry.
Brief research statementAbout one page describing your interests, preparation, and goals.
Selected work (optional)Links to code, papers, reports, theses, or project portfolios.