Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:
August 19, 2026
If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.
Available Title(s):
306-YY_FACULTY - Postdoctoral Research Associate
Business Title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Employee Type:
Faculty (+) (Fixed Term)
12 Month
The Opportunity:
Postdoctoral candidate will lead and support a portfolio of funded research projects under the supervision of Dr. Wei Du, Assistant Professor, Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture (VCEA), School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS)/Energy Systems Innovation Center (ESIC) to develop high-fidelity grid-forming inverter models and high-voltage direct current (HVDC) models, and investigate their impact on the power system stability. Candidate will also develop robust control strategies for inverter-based resources, and conduct hardware experiments and hardware-in-the-loop testing to validate the control algorithms.
Research Component:
Conduct research on modelling and analysis of electric power grid
Study impacts of high-fidelity grid-forming inverter models and high-voltage direct current (HVCD) models on power system stability
Contribute to the advances of power systems optimization and stability
Lead collaborations with PNNL researchers and develop proposals to support new efforts in the aforementioned problem space
Student Supervision:
Help supervise Ph.D. students: Create a research plan aligned with ongoing projects, timely follow-up on research progress, and assist in dissemination of the results
Help prepare training and skill development plans for early Ph.D. students related to conceptual understanding, research methodology, and implementation details
Hold weekly paper reading session with Ph.D. students and provide feedback
Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts. For additional information, please review the and Total Compensation. For information or questions about Benefits, please contact HRS Benefits at 509-335-4521.
Annual Salary: $62,232 - $120,000 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications
In accordance with , the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. Successful candidates typically begin up to mid-point of the salary range.
This is a full time (100% FTE), temporary position. This position is overtime eligible.
Appointment Duration: This is a temporary position expected to start on August 20, 2026 and end on August 19, 2027. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.
Required Qualifications:
Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, specializing in Power Engineering or related discipline;
Experience conducting research on modelling and analysis of the power grid;
Experience conducting research on high-fidelity inverter models and high-voltage direct current (HBCD) models on power system stability
Position Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for work visa sponsorship
About School - & Energy Systems Innovation Center
College: Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture (VCEA)
Department Name: School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS)/Energy Systems Innovation Center (ESIC)
Location: Pullman, WA 99164
Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.
1) Resume/CV
2) Cover Letter
External candidates, upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application.
Current WSU Employees (internal candidates), before starting your Workday application, . Internal candidates, upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.
All candidates, documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.
Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.
Contact: For questions regarding this position or the application process, please contact Wei Du
Union Representation:This position is represented exclusively by Postdocs United/United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Information regarding the Union and the CBA is available on theWSU Labor Relations website.