Postdoctoral Fellow/ PhD/ Research Assistant Position – EV Smart Charging

1. About CEI

The Center for Environmental Intelligence (CEI) is a hub for “Green and Sustainable Tech Transfer” at VinUni. It fosters global collaborations to address environmental challenges using advanced technology and interdisciplinary research. CEI focuses on smart and sustainable development, driving transformative solutions for Vietnam and beyond. Its mission includes creating a robust platform for technology transfer and partnering to tackle climate change and sustainability. Key research areas involve the development of AI-driven advanced materials for energy storage, energy conversion, and green chemical production.

 

2. About Project

2.1. Project Title: EV Smart Charging – Development and Optimization of Smart EV Charging and Autonomous Robot Charging Systems Integrated with Renewable Energy and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

2.2. Project Description:

This interdisciplinary research project aims to develop a next-generation smart electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure that integrates:

• Renewable energy sources (e.g., solar PV, wind)
• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
• AI-based demand and energy optimization
• Autonomous robot charging systems for flexible EV charging in both urban and constrained environments

The system will address key challenges in real-time load management, user demand prediction, and adaptive energy flow control. A special focus is placed on autonomous mobile robot charging systems, capable of detecting EV locations, navigating to vehicles, and performing automated charging using computer vision, Lidar, and wireless communication systems.

2.3. Key research topics include:

• Multi-objective optimization of energy use, cost, grid impact, and charging schedules
• AI/ML-based forecasting of user demand and renewable energy generation
• Motion planning, control, and safety design for autonomous robot charging
• Computer vision and sensor fusion for precise robot-EV connector alignment
• Digital twin modeling of charging systems and energy infrastructure
• Integration of real-time data from PV/BESS/EV fleet/robot operations
• Cybersecurity and communication reliability (5G/6G, blockchain) in smart charging systems

 

3. Position Responsibilities and Qualifications:

3.1. Responsibilities:

The successful candidate(s) will:

• Develop simulation and control models for both static and robot-based EV charging stations
• Implement AI/ML techniques for real-time forecasting and decision-making
• Design and simulate robot charging workflows (path planning, object detection, control logic)
• Participate in prototyping and testing robot charging mechanisms (collaboration with hardware teams)
• Contribute to scientific publications and project reports
• Support deployment of pilot systems with CEI and industrial partners

3.2. Qualifications:

3.2.1. For Research Assistant (RA):

• Final-year undergraduate or bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Robotics/Computer Engineering, Energy, or related fields
• Familiarity with simulation tools (MATLAB, Python, ROS, OpenCV, etc.)
• Interest in autonomous systems, AI, or energy systems
• Team-oriented and eager to learn

3.2.2. For Master’s / PhD Students:

• Background in one or more of the following areas:
  • Power systems, renewable energy, BESS modeling
  • Robotics (kinematics, motion control, embedded systems)
  • AI/ML for optimization and forecasting
  • Smart grid and communication systems
• Prior experience in research, simulation, or system design
• For PhD: At least one peer-reviewed publication is preferred

3.2.3. For Postdoctoral Fellow (optional):

• PhD in Power Engineering, Robotics, or Artificial Intelligence
• Strong record of publications in top-tier journals
• Experience in interdisciplinary projects involving control, AI, and/or hardware-in-the-loop systems

 

What we offer:

• Competitive Salary: An attractive salary is negotiable based on experience and expertise.
• Work in a dynamic research environment at a leading university in Vietnam.
• Contribute to cutting-edge environmental and research projects.
• Collaborate with renowned scientists and industry leaders.
• Professional development opportunities, including training and international conferences.
• VinUniversity is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

 

How to apply:

Please submit your CV and relevant documents as a single PDF file, named using the format: “Position_YourName_CV.pdf”.

Use the appropriate subject line when applying:

• For Postdoctoral Fellow: PDF – EV Smart Charging – CEI
• For PhD: PhD – EV Smart Charging – CEI
• For Research Assistant: RA – EV Smart Charging – CEI

Kindly send the file to the CEI Officer at cei@vinuni.edu.vn, and cc Mr. Do Danh Cuong at cuong.dd@vinuni.edu.vn and Mr. Nguyen Phi Long at long.np2@vinuni.edu.vn ⁠

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.