Job Announcement: Seeking Distinguished Young Scholars (Overseas)

Established in 1961, the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography (XIEG), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), stands as a beacon of scientific and technological advancement in Xinjiang. Focusing on major scientific and technological challenges, XIEG conducts cutting-edge research in ecology, environment, and resources in arid regions, and supports the Silk Road Economic Belt initiative and the goal of social stability and security in Xinjiang.

XIEG specializes in ecological and environmental monitoring and evaluation, regional water resource utilization and ecological security, mineral exploration and environmental governance, sustainable utilization of biological resources in arid regions, income enhancement for farmers and herdsmen, and regional sustainable development in Xinjiang and Central Asia.

XIEG has established various platforms at different levels. These platforms include the State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, the National Engineering Technology Research Center for Desert-Oasis Ecological Construction, along with 12 field stations in China, and 19 field stations in Central Asia, West Asia, and Inner Mongolia.

Furthermore, XIEG has actively promoted people-to-people exchanges and cooperation. With successful partnerships established with research institutions and universities across over 50 countries worldwide, we have undertaken projects with international partners especially from Central Asia and the Arab League, and hosted numerous academic seminars on ecology and environment in arid regions.

In recent years, XIEG has been dedicated to advancing research on resources and environment in arid regions while addressing urgent scientific challenges vital to Xinjiang’s economic and social development. Acknowledged for its remarkable achievements, XIEG has garnered over 300 awards at different levels, including two UNEP Awards for its outstanding contributions to desertification control, and nearly 40 national awards.

In 2020, XIEG has entered the top 1% of the Essential Science Indicators (ESI) in five disciplines (Earth Science, Environment/Ecology, Plant and Animal Science, Agricultural Science, and Engineering Science); and ranked first in the number of SCI papers in water resources and oasis science in arid regions. Furthermore, we have made significant breakthroughs in the study of accretionary mineralization and tectonic patterns of orogenic belts in Central Asia. Professor XIAO Wenjiao was elected as an academician of CAS.

The National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) has launched the Distinguished Young Scholars Program (Overseas) since 2021, aimed at attracting and incentivizing exceptional overseas young scholars (including non-Chinese talents), who have demonstrated remarkable achievements in natural science, engineering technology, and related fields, to return to China. This initiative empowers scholars to independently select research directions, conduct innovative research, and promote the rapid growth of young talents, making significant contributions to global science community. In this regard, we cordially invite distinguished young scholars from around the globe to consider joining XIEG. By choosing us, you will benefit from a conducive scientific research environment and a highly competitive benefits package. The specific requirements for applicants are outlined as follows.

I. Distinguished Young Scholars Program (Overseas)

1.NSFC Funding

(1) Funding amount: RMB 1 million to 3 million;

(2) Funding period: Three years;

2. Benefits package

(1) Salary: In addition to the funding provided by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, XIEG offers a competitive startup funding and salary, subject to negotiation.

(2) Successful applicants will be directly appointed as professors.

(3) Applicants have the autonomy to recruit four to six members. Basic equipment and workspace will be provided.

(4) Children’s education: Applicants have access to high-quality education for their children, including attendance at reputable kindergartens, primary schools, and middle schools in the Xinshi District, Urumqi.

(5) Assistance will be provided to help their spouse to find a job in Urumqi.

(6) Housing: A designated house will be provided by XIEG.

(7) Others: Support them to apply for high-level talent programs funded by CAS, Xinjiang government, and the country.

II. Eligibility

1. Applicants should:

(1) Adhere to the laws and regulations of the People’s Republic of China;

(2) No more than 40 years old;

(3) Have a doctoral degree;

(4) Conduct research in natural sciences and engineering technology;

(5) Hold formal teaching or scientific research positions in overseas universities, scientific research institutions, or enterprise R&D institutions, with a minimum of 36 consecutive months of work experience. Exceptions may be considered for individuals who have achieved outstanding results.

(6) Demonstrate scientific or technological achievements acknowledged by peer experts, showcasing potential to become academic leaders or exceptional talents.

(7) Must resign from the overseas institution or have no employment overseas after being notified of the grant of the funding and return (come) to work in China full-time for at least 3 years.

2. Limitations

(1) Applicants are restricted to applying for or undertaking only one talent program and are ineligible to apply for programs of lower tiers.

(2) Recipients of the Distinguished Young Scholars program in the current year are ineligible to apply for the Distinguished Young Scholars Program (Overseas) again.

3. Application Guidelines

Kindly refer to the official website of the National Natural Science Foundation of China for further information, which can be accessed at https://www.nsfc.gov.cn/publish/portal0/tab442/info91697.htm.

III. Research Fields

1. Disciplines

Arid land ecology, Arid land geography

2. Specific fields

Hydrology and water resources in arid regions, oasis ecology and agriculture, conservation of biodiversity in arid regions, mineral resources and big data in Central Asia, remote sensing and GIS, and regional planning and sustainable development.

IV. Contact

LIU Xiang (Personnel Department of XIEG)

Tel.: +86-991-7885319, +86-13201256897

Email: liuxiang@ms.xjb.ac.cn