Postdoctoral Researcher: Modeling, Simulation and Analysis of -Scale Power Systems

Posting Title

Postdoctoral Researcher:
Modeling, Simulation and Analysis of Large-Scale Power Systems

Location: CO - Golden

Position Type: Postdoc (Fixed Term)

Hours Per Week: 40

The Grid Automation and Control (GAC) Group of the Power Systems and Engineering Center (PSEC) at NLR is seeking an exceptional Ph.D. graduate to support research in modeling and simulation of modern power grids, including the transition to higher levels of inverter-based resources (IBRs). The successful candidate will work on cutting-edge projects in power system modeling, simulation, and stability analysis, addressing the reliability challenges of the future grid.

• Conduct transient analysis (small-signal, transient, and voltage stability) for high-I
  -dominated systems.
• Support large-scale power system studies (e.g., national-scale scenarios) using commercial tools such as PSSE, PSLF, PSCAD or open-source tools such as ParaEMT, ANDES.
• Develop new types of electrical components (e.g., advanced pumped-storage hydro, data center) for large-scale grid study.
• Support interconnection studies, grid impact assessments, and compliance studies.
• Prepare results in reports and presentations.
• Write and publish results in peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and technical reports.

• Recent PhD graduate within the last three years.
• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

• Ph.D. or Ph.D. candidate in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields.
• Solid background in power systems dynamics and modeling, including load flow, short-circuit, and contingency analysis.
• Proficiency with power system simulation tools in the phasor-domain (e.g., PSSE, PSLF, Powerworld).
• Strong understanding of inverter-based resource (I ) integration challenges and power system stability concepts.

• Strong understanding of small-signal, transient, and voltage stability.
• Hands-on experience developing user-defined dynamic models of IBRs in PSS/E or PSLF.
• Familiarity with modeling of energy storage systems, including pumped-storage hydro and batteries.
• Experience with data center modeling.
• Experience with I  models such as WECC REGFMA1 or REGFMB
  1.
• Experience with Python, C++, or other programming languages.
• Experience developing automated tools for accelerating contingency analysis.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to present technical results clearly.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance; short-term disability insurance; pension benefits.
• 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match; life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
• Personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; paid holidays.
• Potential for performance-, merit-, and achievement-based awards.

Annual Salary Range (full-time, 40 hours/week): $76,600 - $126,400

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.