ORCID iD: 0000-0001-6598-079X
Scopus Author ID: 58796275400
ResearcherID: ACE-5466-2022

Metrics for Academic and Research Impact

Dr. Di JIN has joined the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at City University of Hong Kong as a Presidential Assistant Professor. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering with a minor in Economics from MIT, graduated with Phi Beta Kappa honors. She completed her Master’s degree at the University of California, Berkeley, with a full departmental scholarship, and received her Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Cambridge under the Winton Program for the Physics of Sustainability Scholarship. 

From 2018 to 2025, Dr. Jin was a Postdoctoral Fellow and Research Associate at the Weizmann Institute of Science, where she investigated the molecular mechanisms of cartilage lubrication and the behavior of confined liquids using surface force balance experiments and molecular dynamics simulations. Her recent work integrates artificial intelligence to accelerate the design of functional biomaterials. She has published as first or co-first author in Nature Materials, PNAS, and Biophysical Journal, and contributes to the scientific community as a reviewer for PNAS, Small, Soft Matter, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, and others. 

Currently recruiting one PhD student (computational and / or experimental). Interested candidates should contact via email. Also refer to the following link for additional PhD fellowships: https://www.cityu.edu.hk/pg/hong-kong-phd-fellowship-scheme . Please note that only those who are shortlisted for an interview will be contacted. 

Qualifications

• A strong motivation for interdisciplinary research, with basic knowledge and appreciation for both theoretical analysis and experimental observations.

• Bonus: have demonstrated experience in developing self-written analytical scripting tools.

For Computational Focus:

o Fluency in MATLAB or Python.

o Bonus: Experience with molecular dynamics simulation packages (e.g., GROMACS, LAMMPS).

o Bonus: Familiarity with the Linux operating system, BASH scripting, and working in High-Performance Computing (HPC) environments.

For Experimental Focus:

o A proven track record in experimental physical chemistry.

o Bonus: Practical experience in handling sensitive ultra-clean systems.

Our group investigates the molecular dynamics and underlying mechanisms of biological soft matter systems, and applies this knowledge to establish design principles for soft materials and surfaces. We employ both experimental and theoretical approaches, with research topics spanning hydration lubrication in lipid membranes, liquid behavior under confinement, and more broadly, surface interactions and characterization.

Key words: surface force balance, molecular dynamics simulations, soft matter physics, biophysics, nano-tribology, biolubricants, lipid membranes, confined liquids