Postdoctoral Research Associate

Princeton University • Princeton, NJ

59d • Onsite

About The Position

One or more postdoctoral research associate or more senior research positions are available at Princeton University in the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment. Researchers will join the Zero-carbon Energy systems Research and Optimization Laboratory (ZERO Lab) run by assistant professor Jesse D. Jenkins jointly appointed with the Andlinger Center and Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. The ZERO Lab focuses on improving and applying optimization-based macro-energy systems to evaluate and optimize low-carbon energy technologies, guide investment and research in innovative energy technologies, and generate insights to improve energy and climate policy and planning decisions. In particular, we are looking for scholars who can contribute to one of two research thrusts (or both): Applied operations research: scholars will develop and implement novel methods to improve the computational performance and resolution of large-scale optimization models for energy systems planning and operations, leveraging decomposition methods, machine learning, multi-scalar modeling, and other creative techniques. Applied energy systems modeling: scholars will help build and apply state-of-the-art macro-energy systems planning models to evaluate and optimize emerging low-carbon energy technologies and generate insights to improve energy and climate policy and planning decisions. A particular emphasis will be placed on candidates with familiarity with enhanced geothermal energy systems. Applicants should specify in their cover letters which of these two program areas (or both) they see themselves contributing to, the motivations for their research, and why they are qualified to contribute to cutting-edge research in these areas. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Selected candidates may start on or after September 1, 2026.

Requirements

• PhD (or expect to complete a PhD prior to beginning employment at Princeton) in a relevant field, including mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering, energy science and engineering, energy resources, and operations research.
• Strong, demonstrated research ability.
• Excellent English written and spoken communication skills.
• Very comfortable in an interdisciplinary research environment.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in optimization methods and applied energy system modeling, particularly macro-scale energy systems.
• Familiarity with algebraic modeling languages used for linear and mixed integer programming (e.g. Julia/JuMP, Python/Pyomo, AMPL, GAMS).
• Comfort working in a multidisciplinary and collaborative research environment.
• Familiarity with enhanced geothermal energy systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement novel methods to improve the computational performance and resolution of large-scale optimization models for energy systems planning and operations, leveraging decomposition methods, machine learning, multi-scalar modeling, and other creative techniques.
• Build and apply state-of-the-art macro-energy systems planning models to evaluate and optimize emerging low-carbon energy technologies.
• Generate insights to improve energy and climate policy and planning decisions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree