Research Associate, Research Scientist

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)

Overview The Utah Smart Energy Laboratory (U-Smart) at the University of Utah has an immediate opening for a Senior Power Systems Research Associate. This position will be responsible for leading research, development and demonstration projects on power systems operation, planning, and resilience, with large-scale data center integration. This role offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting‑edge power grid innovations that will shape the future of the field.

• Power Systems Analysis and Modeling: Develop and apply advanced power systems models and simulations to assess the performance, flexibility, reliability and resilience of power systems, considering the integration of large-scale data centers, and scenarios such as integration with energy storage and distributed energy resources, various level of adoption and impacts of extreme weather events.
• Publications and Reporting: Prepare technical reports, papers, and presentations to communicate the findings and insights. Publish in relevant venues and present at conferences.
• Mentoring: Provide guidance and mentorship to junior researchers, graduate students, and interns working on relevant projects at the University of Utah.
• Collaboration and Project Management: Collaborate with industry partners, government agencies, and other stakeholders to advance research and innovation on grid resilience. Manage projects, write reports and deliverables ad needed for the success of the projects.

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Prior experience in power systems modeling and analysis, and strong background on data analysis, AI and ML techniques.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Track record of publications in peer‑reviewed journals and presentations at conferences.
• Ability to work effectively on large projects in a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment.

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at  for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post‑retirement rules and restrictions.

Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at  or  or University Human Resource Management at  if you have questions regarding the post‑retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy‑related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106.

The requirement not to discriminate in education programs…