Postdoctoral Research Associate - Grid Modeling

Requisition Id15340

The Power System Resilience (PSR) 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 PSR Group supports the research on energy security and resilience of the power grid at the Energy Department (DOE) through advancement of modeling, simulation, and real‑time monitoring of the power grid, including research supporting the Office of Electricity (OE), Grid Deployment Office (GDO), Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response (CESER), and Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) on the integration of new technologies, identifying and validating new ways of using existing and emerging grid assets to ensure grid reliability, grid resilience, environmental stewardship, and affordability of energy supplies.

The PSR group focuses on resilience, data analytics, protection, and EMT simulation research.

• 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.

• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

• 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.

• Experience in real‑time simulation hardware like Opal‑RT and RTDS.
• 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.

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to Postdoc recruitment with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
• View Profile
• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

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