The Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, based in Shanghai, has announced its recruitment drive, inviting exceptional young doctoral professionals from China and abroad to join its cutting-edge research programs.

I. Program overview

The Excellent Young Scientists Fund Program (Overseas) of the National Natural Science Foundation of China aims to attract and encourage outstanding young scholars, including foreign professionals who have achieved notable accomplishments in natural sciences and engineering technology, to work in China.

The program provides them with a platform to independently choose research directions and conduct innovative studies. It aims to promote the rapid growth of young scientific and technological talent and to cultivate outstanding academic leaders poised to contribute to science and technology development.

 

II. Incentives

1. Location advantages:

The academy is located in Shanghai, with its headquarters in the Lin-gang Special Area and a campus in Zhangjiang High-Tech Park. It provides access to talent services such as the Lin-gang "jingcai" talent cards.

2. Application support:

Applicants will receive one-on-one support throughout the process, including document review and submission guidance.

3. Position appointment:

Successful candidates will be appointed to senior professional technical positions upon selection. The institute implements a classified post-evaluation system, providing a clear pathway for career development.

4. Stable development:

Selected candidates will be included in the public institution staffing system.

5. Competitive compensation:

The academy offers highly competitive remuneration within the industry to support the candidates' daily living needs.

6. Research funding:

The academy offers funding of one to three million yuan (about $146,000 to $437,000), which is subject to the conditions set out in the official notice for the current year. The academy also provides additional research start-up funding and project support.

7. Team building:

The program encourages recruitment of special research assistants through the CAS program with relevant policy support. Priority will be given to graduate student enrollment quotas for the selected teams.

8. Housing support:

The program provides transitional talent apartments or rental subsidies during the project implementation period. Candidates will be eligible for priority housing selection and purchase policies in Lin-gang. They will be included in the institute's down payment assistance program while enjoying interest-free loan support.

9. Personal support:

Candidates can receive assistance with Shanghai household registration (hukou), subject to relevant regulations, full payment of statutory social insurance, and access to supportive policies, including health check-ups, retreats, and union benefits.

10. Family support:

The academy collaborates with many reputable middle schools, primary schools, and kindergartens in Lin-gang, offering access to school enrollment for the children of the candidates.

III. Eligibility

Applicants for the Excellent Young Scientists Fund Program (Overseas) must generally meet the following criteria:

(1) Abide by the laws and regulations of the People's Republic of China, uphold good scientific ethics, and consciously practice the spirit of scientists.

(2) Born on or after Jan 1, 1986.

(3) Hold a doctoral degree.

(4) Primary research directions should mainly be in natural sciences, engineering technology, and other relevant fields.

(5) Typically, applicants should have held formal teaching or research positions in overseas leading universities, research institutions, or corporate R&D centers for a continuous period of more than 36 months between obtaining their doctorate and the application deadline. For those who obtained their doctorate overseas and have particularly outstanding performance, the work experience requirement may be appropriately relaxed.

(6) Have achieved scientific or technological results recognized by peers and possess the potential to become an academic leader or outstanding talent in their field.

(7) Applicants must either not have taken up full-time employment in China or have returned to full-time employment in China after Jan 1, 2025. Upon receiving funding notification, they are required to resign from any overseas positions and commit to full-time work in China for a minimum of three years.

Note: For details, refer to the official notice from the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Candidates may undertake only one project under the same level of national science and technology talent programs. Applications for a lower level are not permitted.

 

IV. About the academy

• A leading institution in China for the overall development of satellites and related technologies.
• A main force in China's scientific satellite and application satellite sectors.
• Employs more than 1,000 staff, with 85 percent holding master's or doctoral degrees, with an average age of 33.
• Engages in research and development across five aerospace fields: communication, navigation, remote sensing, science, and micro-nano satellites. To date, it has successfully developed over 230 satellites, including the Mozi, Qianfan, and Beidou series.
• Provides an international research platform with substantial research funding. Facilities include seven satellite assembly halls and one satellite smart factory, equipped with comprehensive environmental testing capabilities in mechanics, thermal, acoustics, and anechoic chambers. Capable of simultaneously developing more than 50 ton-class satellites and with an annual production capacity of 300 micro- and nano-satellites.
• Maintains a comprehensive talent cultivation system encompassing master's and doctoral students, and postdoctoral researchers.
• Hosts a key laboratory of satellite digital technology, dedicated to reshaping satellite R&D models and establishing an advanced platform and innovation hub to attract top talent.
• Maintains extensive domestic and international research partnerships.

V. Required fields and application

Application deadline: March 31, 2026.

Outstanding overseas talents meeting the application criteria are encouraged to apply or be recommended. Upon receiving applications, the academy will forward candidates to the relevant departments according to their field for further consideration.

Degree required: Doctorate

Research directions:

- Artificial intelligence / Big data

- Satellite communication technologies

- Digital twin technology

- Computer technology

- Space robotics

- Dynamics modeling and simulation

- Attitude determination and control algorithms

- Satellite orbit control technologies

 

VI. Policy Consultation

Jiang

Tel: 021-2085-7000 Ext 62028

Email: direct_vip@microsate.com

Fan

Tel: 021-2085-7000 Ext 61072

Email: direct_vip@microsate.com

 

Sources: The Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Official WeChat account of the Shanghai International Talent website (ID: "sh-italent")