Electro-magnetic transient (EMT) modeling, laboratory verification, and stability analysis for power

About the role

NLR, located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado, is the nation’s primary laboratory for energy systems research and development. The Integrated Devices and Systems (IDS) Group within the Power Systems and Engineering Center (PSEC) seeks a researcher to advance modeling, simulation, and stability analysis of modern power grids with a focus on inverter-based resources (IBRs). The role involves developing high-fidelity EMT models, conducting large-scale transient analyses, leading laboratory experiments, and supporting AI-assisted tools for grid stability monitoring and digital twin applications.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-fidelity EMT models for inverter-based resources (e.g., advanced pumped storage hydro, data centers, grid-forming/grid-following inverters) for large-scale power grid studies.
• Design ride-through controls for IBRs and implement/validate models in EMT simulation environments such as PSCAD, RTDS, or ParaEMT.
• Contribute to advanced simulation tools, platforms, and testbed development for large-scale EMT analysis.
• Conduct large-scale transient analyses including small-signal stability, transient stability, and voltage stability for high IBR-dominated systems.
• Lead laboratory experiments to validate models and equipment, informing model development and integrated system operation.
• Support development of AI-assisted tools for grid stability monitoring, scenario generation, and digital twin applications.
• Support large-scale power system studies (e.g., national-scale scenarios) using commercial tools (PSSE, PSLF, PSCAD) or open-source tools (ParaEMT, ANDES).
• Support interconnection studies, grid impact assessments, and compliance studies.
• Prepare reports and presentations of results.
• Write and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, transactions, conference proceedings, and/or technical reports.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Researcher II: Relevant PhD; or relevant Master’s degree; or relevant Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of experience.
• Researcher III: Relevant PhD; or relevant Master’s degree and 3+ years of experience; or relevant Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience.
• Demonstrates broad understanding and application of engineering technical procedures, principles, theories, and concepts in the field.
• General knowledge of related disciplines.
• Demonstrates leadership in team, task, or project lead responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience in project management.
• Very good writing, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Additional Required Qualifications

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE security clearance at the Q/TS/SCI level; a polygraph may be required.
• U.S. citizenship is required (see DOE O 472.2A).
• Relevant degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields.
• Solid background in power systems dynamics and modeling including load flow, short-circuit, and contingency analysis.
• Experience with EMT simulation tools (e.g., PSCAD, RTDS, OPAL-RT, ParaEMT).
• Strong understanding of IBR modeling and integration challenges and power system stability concepts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on modeling experience with EMT tools (e.g., PSCAD, RSCAD, OPAL-RT, EMTP).
• Strong understanding of small-signal, transient, and voltage stability.
• Familiarity with EMT modeling of IBRs such as data centers, advanced pumped-storage hydro, batteries, wind/solar, grid-forming inverters.
• Experience with software development in Python, C++, or other languages.
• Hands-on experience developing automated tools for contingency analysis.
• Publication record on inverter stability/modeling.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to process, interpret, and present technical results clearly.
• Interest in AI/ML applications for power system modeling and analysis.