Postdoctoral Fellow / Research Assistant In Connected Transport Energy Hubs

The Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow and two Research Assistant positions linked to the funded research project entitled “Connected transport energy hubs: enabler of efficient, flexible, and cost-effective railway regenerative braking energy dispatch.” This project addresses the growing need to improve energy efficiency in urban rail transit by capturing the kinetic energy released during braking, storing it effectively, and dispatching it back to the grid or to other trains in the network. The research integrates power electronics, energy storage systems, intelligent control algorithms, and transportation engineering to develop a holistic hub‑based solution that can be deployed across metro and light‑rail systems.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will work closely with the project leader, Prof. Shuangqi Li, and is expected to have earned a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) in electrical engineering, power electronics, energy systems, control engineering, or a closely related discipline. Candidates must have no more than five years of post‑qualification experience at the time of application. The fellow will lead aspects of the experimental programme, develop simulation models, analyse performance data, and contribute to publications and conference presentations. The appointment is for a fixed term of twelve months, with the possibility of extension subject to performance and funding availability.

Two Research Assistant positions are also available, each with an appointment period ranging from three to twelve months. Applicants for these roles should possess an honours degree (or equivalent) in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or a related field. The research assistants will assist in setting up laboratory experiments, conducting measurements on test rigs, processing data, and supporting the modelling work under the guidance of the postdoctoral fellow and Prof. Li. This role offers valuable hands‑on experience in cutting‑edge rail‑energy research and is suitable for recent graduates seeking to build a career in academia or industry.

The project is situated within PolyU’s state‑of‑the‑art laboratories equipped with programmable AC/DC power supplies, energy storage devices (batteries and supercapacitors), real‑time simulators, and measurement instrumentation. The working environment is collaborative, involving regular meetings with the project team, potential industry partners, and participation in seminars and workshops organised by the department and the university’s research institutes.

Remuneration for both the postdoctoral fellowship and the research assistant posts is described as a “highly competitive remuneration package,” which typically includes a salary commensurate with qualifications and experience, along with standard benefits such as medical coverage, leave entitlements, and access to university facilities. The exact salary scale will be discussed during the interview process. The working arrangement is expected to be on‑site at the PolyU campus in Hong Kong, although certain tasks such as data analysis or manuscript preparation may be performed remotely with prior agreement.

Applications must be submitted before the closing date of 24 July 2026. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact Prof. Shuangqi Li directly via email at [email protected] or by telephone at 2766 6167 for informal enquiries about the position, the research project, or the application procedure. Formal applications should include a curriculum vitae, a cover letter outlining research interests and suitability for the role, copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates, and the contact details of at least two referees. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, which may be conducted in person or via video conferencing.

Successful candidates will join a vibrant research group focused on sustainable transportation and energy systems,