2026 Overseas Outstanding Young Scholars: NKU Invites Talents From Around the World

Nankai University is a key comprehensive university directly under the Ministry of Education and is the alma mater of the venerated former Premier Zhou Enlai. The university started in 1904 and was founded in 1919 by the modern patriotic educators Yan Xiu and Zhang Boling under the philosophy of saving the country through education.

Since its establishment more than 100 years ago, Nankai University has always attached importance to talents in the establishment and thriving of the university. It has formed a featured system led by top scholars and supported by outstanding young talents. We sincerely invite outstanding talents at home and abroad to apply for the 2026 Overseas Outstanding Young Scholars Fund through Nankai University.

I. Project introduction

The Overseas Outstanding Young Scholars Fund aims to attract and encourage outstanding overseas young scholars (including international scholars) with high achievements in natural sciences, engineering technology, etc. to return (or come) to China and conduct innovative research in areas of their own choice. The program will promote the progression of young scholars and cultivate outstanding experts who will contribute to the construction of a powerful country in science and technology.

II. Application requirements

1. Abide by the laws and regulations of the People’s Republic of China, have good scientific ethics, and practice the spirit of scientists in the new era on their own initiative;

2. Be born on or after January 1, 1986;

3. Have a doctorate degree;

4. The research interest is mainly natural science, engineering technology, etc.;

5. The applicant should hold a regular teaching or scientific research position in an overseas university, scientific research institution, or corporate R&D institution. Till April 15, 2026, the applicant should have worked for more than 36 consecutive months in the institutions mentioned above. The requirements for the length of working can be appropriately relaxed for those who have obtained a doctorate degree overseas and have exceptional performance;

6. Obtain scientific research or technology achievements recognized by peer experts, and have the potential to become academic leaders in the corresponding field;

7. The applicant has not yet returned to China to work full-time, or returned (come) to China to work after January 1, 2025. After receiving the subsidy notice, the applicant must resign from the overseas institution and work full-time in China for no less than 3 years.

(Refer to the terms and conditions for Overseas Outstanding Young Scholars in 2025, and subject to final program guidelines for 2026)

Project requirements:

According to the requirements of the relevant central government departments on the overall planning and coordination of the science and technology talent plans, the applicant can only undertake one project supported by the national science and technology talent program at the same level, and application in a reverse order is not allowed.

III. Supporting policies

Entrepreneurship

1. Tenure and professorship will be offered to the successful applicants, qualified to supervise the Phd students and enjoy a relatively long assessment period and continuous supporting policies. Applicants who enter the final round of the competition will be included in the university’s “Young Discipline Leader Program” B –grade. They can also be provided highly competitive recruitment benefits in terms of salary, research funding, housing subsidies, and relocation allowances.

2. Competitive salary and sufficient research funds: The successful applicants will be included in the university’s “Young Discipline Leader Program” A –grade, offered competitive salary and sufficient scientific research funds. If possible, the college may supplement the research fund. Moreover, the successful applicants can enjoy a performance payment from the research fund and preferential tax policy for outstanding scholars.

3. Improve team support: The university encourages the successful applicants to form a scientific research teams, providing adequate office and research space. During the three-year initial employment term, the successful applicants will be entitled to three doctoral student recruitment quotas and six postdoctoral research fellow recruitment quotas, in addition to the quotas allocated by the college.

4. Talent Development Fund: Alumni donations used for talent development.

Live and work in peace and happiness

5. Guaranteed housing: The state, Tianjin Municipality, and the university provide sufficient housing subsidies and settlement allowances, and the college may supplement the subsidy if possible. The university also contributes to the housing provident fund and supplementary housing provident fund. Successful applicants are entitled to the university’s relocation housing. The new Jinnan campus of the university is close to the metro station, as well as a full range of living facilities. The price of apartments nearby averages 15,000 RMB per square meter.

6. All-round support: There is a full range of educational resources including affiliated kindergartens, primary schools, and high schools nearby. The university can assist foreigners in arranging schooling for their children. In addition, the university will assist in recommending local job positions based on the actual qualifications and work experience of the successful candidate’s spouse.

7. High-quality medical service: The affiliated hospital to the university provides high-quality comprehensive medical service and a green channel for medical treatment exclusively for talents. The university additionally provides commercial insurance that covers a wide range of designated hospitals.

8. Tianjin’s educational advantages: Tianjin boasts abundant high-quality educational resources. There is a high admission to key high schools and universities.

Support for application

9. Provide meticulous guidance: The university will organize expert teams to provide multiple rounds of counseling and assist in revising the documents through the application process.

IV. How to apply

Applicants are requested to send their resumes to Office of Human Resources of the university: [email protected]. The resume should include basic personal information, contact details, study and work experience, and major academic achievements (papers, scientific research projects, patents, awards, etc.).

Contact: Mr. Ni, Mr. Wang;

Email: [email protected];

Tel: +86-22-85358249;

Website: http://rsc.nankai.edu.cn;

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.