Postdoctoral Research Associate

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).

About the role

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will develop high-fidelity grid-forming inverter models and high-voltage direct current (HVDC) models, and investigate their impact on power system stability. The candidate will also develop robust control strategies for inverter-based resources, conduct hardware experiments, and perform hardware-in-the-loop testing to validate control algorithms.

Research Component

• Conduct research on modelling and analysis of the electric power grid
• Study impacts of high-fidelity grid-forming inverter models and high-voltage direct current (HVDC) models on power system stability
• Contribute to advances in power systems optimization and stability
• Lead collaborations with PNNL researchers and develop proposals to support new efforts in the problem space

Student Supervision

• Help supervise Ph.D. students by creating research plans aligned with ongoing projects, following up on research progress, and assisting in dissemination of results
• Prepare training and skill development plans for early Ph.D. students related to conceptual understanding, research methodology, and implementation details
• Hold weekly paper reading sessions with Ph.D. students and provide feedback

Requirements

• 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 (HVDC) models on power system stability

Benefits

WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes:

• Paid sick and vacation leave
• Paid holidays
• Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance for employees and dependents
• Retirement and deferred compensation options
• Optional supplemental retirement accounts

For additional information, review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for Faculty and Total Compensation.

Pay

Annual Salary: $62,232 - $120,000. 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 the mid-point of the salary range.

Schedule

• Full time (100% FTE), temporary position
• Overtime eligible
• Expected start date: August 20, 2026, ending on August 19, 2027
• Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured

Location: Pullman, WA 99164

Position Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for work visa sponsorship