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Ph.D. Students

The group recruits 1–2 Ph.D. students every year. Our research emphasizes fundamental studies of the physics of flow in porous media; each Ph.D. student independently carries one research direction and pursues original scientific exploration. We expect applicants to have strong habits of independent thinking and critical reasoning, a solid foundation in mathematics and physics, and the courage to raise and debate well-reasoned dissenting ideas.

Ph.D. admission proceeds through three channels:

  • September recommendation-based admission for exceptional undergraduates (direct Ph.D.);
  • The application-assessment system (regular Ph.D.);
  • The research-funded Ph.D. program (no on-campus dormitory; an additional housing allowance of RMB 4,000–5,000 per month).

Please consult the Peking University Graduate School and the academic affairs office of the College of Mechanics and Engineering Science for details.

Master’s Students

The group recruits 0–2 master’s students every year. Master’s admission is through the Master of Engineering program in Mechanical Engineering at the College of Mechanics and Engineering Science, Peking University. Please consult the Peking University Graduate School and the College for details.

Undergraduate Research

The group opens 0–2 undergraduate research positions every year. Undergraduates, under the guidance of Ph.D. students, semi-independently explore a compact yet systematic scientific question in the physics of flow in porous media. The research direction is unrestricted: interest-driven and imaginative conceptual explorations are encouraged. Interested students are welcome to contact Prof. Ke Xu directly by e-mail.

Postdoctoral Position (opening of March 2026)

Direction: Spatiotemporal evolution and flow properties of complex fracture networks in elastoplastic media. Supported by the MOE "Ultra-Deep Oil and Gas" discipline-breakthrough pilot program and an NSFC enterprise joint-fund integrated program, this project combines experiments and numerical simulation to study the evolving topology and flow properties of subsurface fractures under high stress, providing theoretical guidance for shale oil and gas and ultra-deep petroleum development.

Requirements:

  • A Ph.D. degree (obtained or expected) in science or engineering, with foundations in solid mechanics / geomechanics or fluid mechanics;
  • Ability to independently write numerical codes, with proficiency in AI-assisted programming and academic writing;
  • Proficient in finite-element simulation;
  • Full-time commitment to postdoctoral research.

A petroleum or geology background is NOT required.

Preferred qualifications:

  • Experience in microfluidic or rock-mechanics experiments;
  • Strong mathematics or theoretical-mechanics background;
  • Reliable referee contact information.

Compensation and benefits:

  • Competitive annual salary (negotiable upon initial mutual intent); project-completion bonuses of 2–10% of the contract value for enterprise-commissioned projects;
  • Social insurance and housing fund contributed by Peking University; Beijing household registration per municipal regulations;
  • University postdoctoral apartment, or a housing allowance of RMB 5,000 per month;
  • Children eligible for the PKU-affiliated kindergarten, primary school, and middle school;
  • Other benefits (medical services, research awards, etc.) per Peking University regulations;
  • Outstanding candidates may be nominated for Peking University, Beijing municipal, or national talent programs (about 300 positions per year in total).

Contact: kexu1989 at pku dot edu dot cn. Applicants are welcome to send a CV, referee contacts, and a summary of representative achievements (within 500 words plus 1 figure); a prompt reply will follow.