Research Professor and Assistant Director, Center for Microgrid Research

University of St Thomas•St. Paul, MN

12d•$80,000 - $100,000

About The Position

The School of Engineering at the University of St. Thomas invites applications for a full-time, Research Professor (limited term, non-tenure track) in the area of Power Systems Engineering at the Center for Microgrid Research (CMR) to begin Spring/Summer of 2026. The faculty member would also serve as the Assistant Director to the Center for Microgrid Research. Candidates are sought in the broad area of power systems with special interest in power system controls, protection, optimization, and AI/ML applications in power and energy systems. Experience with experiments and hardware-in-the-loop is highly desired. This is a full-time, non-tenure track position and can be renewed for up to 5 years. As a student-focused institution with a strong hands-on curriculum, we emphasize undergraduate and graduate education that provides technical excellence with a significant emphasis on real world applications. Successful candidates will contribute to the ongoing projects and growth initiatives at CMR. The research professor may also teach a graduate or undergraduate course in collaboration with the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Department, contributing to the ECE Department’s, Center’s, and School of Engineering’s educational mission. The Research Professor and Assistant Director will play a key leadership role in advancing the Center’s mission through applied research, strategic partnerships, and funded programs development. This position will work closely with the Center’s Director and collaborate closely with faculty, industry partners, and students to lead high-impact projects in microgrids, distributed energy systems, and grid modernization. The successful candidate will help define and execute the Center’s research agenda, oversee sponsored research and lab operations, and contribute to the professional development of graduate and undergraduate researchers. This position is grant-funded and is a benefits-eligible term appointment. The position duration is renewable to up to 5 years depending on performance, department needs, and availability of funds.

Requirements

Ph.D. (U.S. or Foreign Equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, Renewable Energy, or a related field
2 years of experience in power systems (transmission or distributed levels), microgrids, power electronics, or AI/ML applications in power systems
Demonstrated ability to secure and manage at least 1 external grant
Proven record of research publications with at least 5 peer- reviewed publications

Nice To Haves

Experience with experiments and hardware-in-the-loop is highly desired.

Responsibilities

Lead and contribute to externally funded research in power systems, microgrids, distributed energy resources (DERs), and control systems
Contribute to proposal writing and development of new externally funded research initiatives
Manage multidisciplinary project teams and coordinate with industry, government, and academic collaborators
Supervise and mentor postdoctoral scholars, engineers, graduate (Masters) research assistants (GRAs), and undergraduate students
Support the Center’s Director in strategic planning, partnership development, and program administration
Publish research results in high-impact journals and conferences
Represent the Center at professional meetings, technical conferences, and industry events
Oversee laboratory activities and ensure safety, efficiency, and innovation in research operations
Contribute to the success of the Center, Department, and School of Engineering

Benefits

Tuition remission benefits for employees, spouses, and dependents upon eligibility
A generous employer retirement contribution upon eligibility
Medical, dental, and vision options
Employer-paid disability, life, and AD&D benefits
Paid parental leave benefits

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