Join FIR Lab

Our research now centers entirely on embodied intelligence: embodied foundation models such as VLA and WAM, and the data, simulation and hardware needed to make them work reliably on real robots. We are always looking for researchers and engineers who share this goal.

What We Work On

Embodied foundation models
VLA, WAM and related vision-language-action and world-action models for robot manipulation.

World models & physical understanding
Models that predict how the world changes under robot actions, for planning, evaluation and data generation.

Robot learning & control
End-to-end learning from data to action, deployed and validated on real robots.

Data, simulation & platforms
Closed-loop real and synthetic data, simulation environments, and the robot hardware behind our experiments.

Open Positions

Postdoc Ongoing

Postdoctoral Researcher

Lead independent research in embodied foundation models, world models or robot learning.

Requirements: Ph.D. in robotics, computer science, AI or a related field, with strong publications in robotics, vision or machine learning.
We offer: Competitive compensation and support for applying to early-career research grants.

Ph.D. Open

Ph.D. Students

Pursue a Ph.D. in embodied intelligence, working on embodied foundation models, world models and robot learning.

Requirements: Solid math and programming skills and a strong interest in robotics and AI.
We offer: Studentship funding, real robot platforms and ample compute.

Engineer / RA Hiring

Embodied AI Algorithm Engineer / Research Assistant

Develop and evaluate algorithms for embodied foundation models, world models, robot control, and simulation and synthetic data.

Requirements: Bachelor’s or Master’s in CS, AI, robotics, automation or a related field; proficient in Python and deep learning frameworks.
Preferred: Experience with real robots, simulation, or related publications and projects.

Engineer Hiring

Robot Hardware & Mechanical Engineer

Design, build, integrate and debug robot experiment platforms, end-effectors and related fixtures.

Requirements: Bachelor’s or Master’s in mechanical engineering, mechatronics, robotics or a related field, with hands-on design skills.
Preferred: Experience designing and prototyping robots or automation equipment.

Visitor / Intern Ongoing

Visiting Students & Research Interns

Join ongoing embodied AI research and real-robot experiments.

Requirements: Outstanding undergraduate or master’s students with good programming skills; internships available for master’s students in Hong Kong.
Duration: At least 3–6 months is recommended.

Other things being equal, preference will be given to applicants who hold Hong Kong permanent residency or a valid Hong Kong work visa (e.g., IANG, Top Talent Pass Scheme, or Quality Migrant Admission Scheme).

Research Environment & Support

Based at the Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, CAS

FIR Lab is part of the Centre for Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, HKISI-CAS, and offers:

Robot platforms: Collaborative robot arms, dexterous hands and mobile manipulation platforms.
Data & experiments: Data collection systems and test scenarios built around real tasks.
Compute: GPU resources for training and deploying embodied foundation models.
Collaboration: Close ties with research institutes, universities and robotics companies.

How to Apply

Application Guidelines

Interested candidates should email Professor Yunbo "Will" Zhang at [email protected] with the email subject formatted as [Application] Position - Your Name.

Please include the following materials in your application:

Curriculum Vitae (CV) with education background, research experience, and publication list;
Academic transcripts (for Ph.D. and student intern applicants);
A brief summary (1–2 paragraphs) describing your research interests and relevant skill sets;
Links to representative papers, project demos, or GitHub code repositories (if applicable).

Email Application to PI