Postdoctoral Research Associate - Grid Modeling

About the role

The Grid Transients & Advanced Modeling Group in the Electrification and Energy Infrastructure Division (EEID) within the Energy Science and Technology Directorate (ESTD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to perform R&D in the areas of electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation and software development as well as dynamic and transient inverter modeling and different applications of the simulation.

Selection will be based on qualifications, relevant experience, skills, and education. You should be highly self-motivated and independent in conducting research under general guidance and are expected to prepare manuscripts for scientific publication and present the work to sponsors and at conferences.

The group supports the energy reliability and prosperity mission of the Energy Department (DOE) through transformative science and technology solutions, including research supporting the Office of Electricity (OE), Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response (CESER), and Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation (CMEI) on the integration of new technologies, identifying and validating new ways of using existing and emerging grid assets to ensure grid reliability and affordability of energy supplies.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Develop electromagnetic transient (EMT) models for transmission or distribution grids, synchronous generators, large loads, transmission networks, etc.
• Develop simulation algorithms that enable large-scale simulations.
• Integrate (or co-simulate) grid component/device models into open-source software tools for integrated system dynamic and transient simulations.
• Integrate post-processing measures for simulations to help with automation.

Basic Qualifications

• A Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering, or related discipline completed within the last five years.
• Expertise in power systems and power electronics.
• Experience in C/C++, Matlab, and Python programming.
• Experience in power systems software like PSCAD, PSS/e.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with software development.
• Experience with use of GPUs, multi-core CPUs, advanced computing (e.g., QPUs).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever-changing needs.