Overview

The Energy Systems Engineering Group is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join a dynamic research program at the intersection of power systems operations, telecommunications, and emerging grid security challenges posed by evolving controls automation and faster acting grid dynamics. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in power systems, familiarity with grid telecommunication systems and basic cybersecurity principles. Experience with grid operations, protection hardware systems (e.g. relays), and timing systems, such as PTP, NTP, will be highly desirable. Other valuable skills include strong technical writing, experience with data analytics, machine learning, or AI applications, and familiarity with version control platforms such as Git.

Beyond technical skills, we are looking for an intellectually curious, self-directed researcher who thrives in a collaborative, multi-institutional environment. The ability to grow quickly into new problem domains matters as much as specific prior expertise. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to peer-reviewed publications, present findings to technical and industry audiences, and play an active role in shaping research directions.

Key responsibilities include, but aren't limited to:

• Supporting the development of innovative, technically rigorous research approaches to address challenges in modern power system dynamics, emerging power electronics-interfaced loads, generation/storage resources, and electrified transportation.
• Collaborating closely with researchers from diverse technical backgrounds across the group and division to contribute to solutions that enable the grid of the future.
• Executing research tasks with appropriate guidance, demonstrating increasing independence over time, and managing small, well-defined technical efforts as experience grows.
• Contributing to high-quality technical products such as journal articles, conference papers, and technical reports, and presenting research findings to internal and external audiences.
• Supporting the development of new research ideas and assisting in the preparation of proposals that expand capabilities and advance program objectives.

The successful candidate will be accountable to:

• Project Managers for meeting expectations around task execution, quality, and timeliness.
• The Energy Systems Engineering Group Leader and Grid Architecture and Communications Team Lead, for general staff performance and development and operational discipline (e.g., maintaining training qualifications, procedural compliance, safe operations).

On-site in Richland, WA is strongly preferred; remote work may be considered

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must have received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in electrical engineering or related field.
• Proficiency in scripting languages like MATLAB, Python.
• Hands-on experience with commercial power system control and telecommunications hardware, like protection relays, MPLS or other fiber optic nodes, microwave radios, routers, firewalls etc.
• Experience in communications simulation software, such as ns-3, or with communications impairment test equipment.
• Strong technical writing and oral communication skills.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not applicable.

Testing Designated Position

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

Rockstar Rewards

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

* Research Associates excluded.

**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.

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Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual's relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Minimum Salary

USD $69,000.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary

USD $119,100.00/Yr.