Postdoctoral Researcher: Power System Operation and Optimization

National Renewable Energy Laboratory • Golden, CO

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Grid Automation and Controls Group of the Power Systems and Engineering Center (PSEC) at the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) is looking for an exceptional Ph.D. graduate to support research in power grid operation and optimization. We are looking for a power system researcher who has solid background on power system modeling, operation, and optimization. Ideal candidate is expected to have strong experience in understanding power system operations and energy management topics, and developing optimization models and/or data-driven controls that are related to at least one of the following topics: Developing energy management strategies related to ADMS, DERMS, microgrid controls, home energy management system Developing optimization schemes or data-driven controls for grid reliability and resilience Developing grid automation and control schemes Ideal candidate is also expected to have a proven record of publishing research work in prestigious journals. The successful candidate will work on multiple projects, and collaborate with both internal researchers and external partners. Note: this position requires in-person work arrangements at NLR's South Table Mountain Campus in Golden, CO and is not eligible for 100% remote work.

Requirements

• Must be a recent PhD graduate within the last three years.
• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
• Relevant Ph.D. or Ph.D. candidate in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science or related fields
• Experience in power system modeling, optimization, and control
• Experience in at least one of the power system software tools including OpenDSS, PSCAD, PSS/E
• Experience in at least one of the optimization solvers and platforms such as CPLEX, CVXPY, Pyomo, GAMS
• Proficiency in MATLAB or Python programming
• Track record in strong scientific publications

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with microgrid, grid resilience, grid cybersecurity
• Familiarity with market participation, demand response, virtual power plant
• Familiarity with T&D coordination
• Proficiency in commercial/open-source optimization solvers and packages (e.g., GAMS, Gurobi, CPLEX)
• Software development experience is a plus.
• Experience with software development in Python, C++, or other programming languages
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

• Developing energy management strategies related to ADMS, DERMS, microgrid controls, home energy management system
• Developing optimization schemes or data-driven controls for grid reliability and resilience
• Developing grid automation and control schemes

Benefits

• Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short-term disability insurance; pension benefits; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; and paid holidays.
• NLR employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component.
• Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

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