Yankai Cao

Postdoctoral Research Fellow opportunity at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver Campus, in the SOLID Lab led by Prof. Yankai Cao. The project is focused on AI-enabled innovation for vanadium flow batteries (VFBs), combining machine learning, battery degradation prediction, physics-informed and hybrid modelling, time-series analysis, transformer architectures, explainable AI, active learning, and multi-objective optimization. The research will use large-scale industrial battery datasets together with laboratory and simulated data to understand degradation behaviour, improve operating strategies, and accelerate discovery of next-generation electrolyte and membrane materials. Applicants should have, or be close to completing, a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Materials Engineering, or a closely related field. Strong Python programming skills are expected; PyTorch, TensorFlow, scientific computing, and large-scale data processing are valued. Experience in batteries or electrochemistry is desirable. This is a funded postdoctoral position with a salary of CAD $70,000 per year plus about 20% benefits. External awards or fellowships such as an NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship may receive an additional top-up. To apply, email Prof. Yankai Cao with a CV, cover letter, and 2–3 references. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is April 1, 2027.