Research Scientist – Theoretical Physics

About the Role

As a Research Scientist focused on theoretical physics applications for power system simulation, you will develop and advance numerical simulation approaches that support future power system technologies. The role involves collaborating with researchers, engineers, business units, universities, national laboratories, startups, and vendors to create software applications, mathematical and physical models, and simulation algorithms that address challenges associated with the energy transition and the future grid.

This opportunity will be based at our research center in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with global researchers and engineers to develop software applications for power systems.
• Propose and develop new approaches for creating, running, and using numerical simulations with business impact.
• Build prototypes and verify new simulation concepts and methods.
• Develop approaches that combine mathematical and physical power system models with mathematical optimization technologies.
• Implement novel simulation algorithms and work across multiple simulation software tools.
• Support business units and contribute to the successful execution of research projects.
• Share knowledge across the organization and collaborate with external research and industry partners.
• Publish results through scientific publications, patent applications, and technical reports.
• Ensure compliance with applicable external and internal regulations, procedures, and guidelines.

Requirements

• Candidate must already have work authorization that would permit them to work for Hitachi Energy in the United States.
• Ph.D. degree in Theoretical Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, or any related field. Highly qualified candidates with a master’s degree may also be considered.
• Interest in and willingness to learn about power systems engineering, energy transition, and operations research.
• Experience in designing, developing, and executing numerical simulation algorithms for large-scale systems.
• Willingness to take an interdisciplinary approach, working with experts from domains different from their own area of expertise.

Skills

• Experience in the following topics is highly valued: Numerical Methods for Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations, Convex and Nonconvex Optimization, Fourier Analysis.
• Experience with mathematical modeling languages for optimization problems.
• Experience using automatic differentiation.
• Experience using algorithmic performance optimization for running large-scale mathematical solvers.
• Strong programming experience (e.g., C, C++, CUDA, Python, Fortran).
• Solid theoretical background with publications in renowned journals and conferences.
• Excellent innovation capability and competence in application-oriented research.
• Self-motivated, high curiosity, and ability to learn new technologies.
• Attention to detail and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills in English.

Benefits

• Exposure to multidisciplinary research and collaboration across global teams.
• Opportunities to expand your technical knowledge through work on innovative energy technologies related to power systems, simulation methods, and the energy transition.
• Collaboration with experienced professionals across research teams, engineering groups, and business units.
• Access to learning and development opportunities through research projects, knowledge sharing, and external collaborations.
• Health and retirement benefits.
• Paid leave and workplace flexibility.