PhD/Postdoctoral Positions Available at Aquatic Animal Virtopsy Lab (AAVL -
https://bit.ly/AAVLab), City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK)
Project Title: Aquatic Animal Biological Health and Profile Assessment Using Multidisciplinary Approach Research Area and Project Description

In the bustling marine crossroads of Hong Kong and its adjacent South China Sea waters—an epicentre of rapid urbanisation, heavy maritime traffic, and intensifying climate pressures—cetaceans and sea turtles emerge as vital sentinels of oceanic and human health
 under the “One Ocean, One Health” framework. Since 2014, the AAVL has pioneered the
world’s first routine application of postmortem imaging and virtopsy to stranded cetaceans and sea turtles, establishing a globally recognised standardised protocol. This has yielded over a decade of high-fidelity, cross-platform data encompassing imaging,
 pathology, toxicology, nutrition, and demographics—forming a robust regional benchmark for health profiling and threat forecasting.

This PhD/postdoctoral project harnesses this unparalleled longitudinal archive to decode how cumulative stressors—chemical contaminants, shifting prey dynamics, emerging pathogens, and climate-driven environmental shifts—disrupt growth, immunity, and reproductive
 viability in these umbrella species. By translating individual-level virtopsy insights into population-scale biomarkers, the research will empower predictive modelling of emerging threats, inform real-time conservation interventions (e.g., marine protected
 area design, pollution mitigation), and guide evidence-based policy to safeguard biodiversity and coastal community livelihoods across the Greater Bay Area and beyond.

Successful candidates will have flexibility to tailor sub-projects to their expertise and interests, working within a multidisciplinary team that integrates virtopsy, forensic pathology, diagnostic imaging, genetics, and bioinformatics.

Required Qualifications (PhD)

Candidates must meet CityUHK’s minimum entrance requirements for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD):

A Bachelor’s degree with first-class honours (or equivalent) from a recognised university; OR
A Master’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognised university; OR
A higher degree by research (or equivalent); OR
Current CityUHK MPhil students seeking transfer to PhD candidature.

English Proficiency (for applicants whose entrance qualification is from a non-English institution):

TOEFL ≥79 (internet-based, single sitting); OR
IELTS ≥6.5 overall; OR
Equivalent (e.g., CET-6 ≥490); scores valid within 2 years of application. Some departments/colleges may impose higher standards.

Added Advantages:

Strong background in genetics and bioinformatics.
Adequate knowledge of forensic pathology and diagnostic imaging.

Desirable Qualifications (PhD & Postdoc)

MSc/MPhil (or higher) in marine biology, veterinary science, ecology, bioinformatics, or related fields.
Peer-reviewed publications (especially first-author).
Experience with postmortem examination, tissue sampling, biomarker assays, or large datasets.
Proficiency in R/Python, statistical modelling, or machine learning.
Excellent written/oral communication and teamwork skills.

Supervision & Location

The candidate will be supervised by Prof Brian Kot and the AAVL team at CityUHK, a globally ranked institution with state-of-the-art virtopsy and imaging facilities.

PhD Application Deadlines & Process

Main Round (2026/27 intake): 1 December 2025 (12:00 noon HKT)
Applications accepted year-round; early submission encouraged for outstanding candidates.

To Apply PhD: Submit via CityUHK’s online portal (https://www.cityu.edu.hk/pg/research-degree-programmes/apply-now):

Cover letter outlining motivation and fit with the project.
CV (including GPA, publications, and relevant experience).
Brief research proposal (max 2 pages).
Official transcripts and degree certificates.
English proficiency scores (if applicable).
Contact details of two academic referees.
Application fee.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview (in-person or online).

Funding: Competitive CityUHK PhD studentships eligibility. Postdoctoral positions include salary commensurate with experience.

Start Date: Flexible (PhD - earliest July 2026; latest September 2026; Postdoc - earliest March 2026).

Contact

To apply postdoc position, please submit application to Prof Brian Kot (email:

brian.kot@cityu.edu.hk) directly for review, with cover letter and updated CV. Applications will receive full consideration until the position(s) is filled and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. For PhD informal enquiries, you are encouraged
 to contact Prof Brian Kot (email: 
brian.kot@cityu.edu.hk). Full application guidelines: 
https://www.cityu.edu.hk/pg/research-degree-programmes/steps-and-procedures

Act fast and join us in pioneering virtopsy-driven conservation science at the heart of Asia’s world city!

Warm regards,

Brian Kot
On behalf of the Aquatic Animal Virtopsy Lab

Ph.D. in Diagnostic Imaging, B.Sc. (Hons) in Radiography, Cert. (RPC), CAS (Forensic Imaging & Virtopsy)

Assistant Professor

Department of Infectious Diseases and Pubic Health

Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences

City University of Hong Kong

T: (852) 3442 7681

E: briankot@cityu.edu.hk

W: https://www.cityu.edu.hk/ph/staff/dr-brian-kot-chin-wing

Aquatic Animal Virtopsy Lab

Website: https://bit.ly/AAVLab

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