Distributed Energy Systems Postdoc

Postdoctoral Position – Department of Architectural Engineering, Penn State

We invite applications for a Post-Doctoral position focused on distributed energy resource (DER) technology. This is a term position; the length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.

• Analyzing a DER configuration relative to a conventional separate heat and power (SHP) configuration on the basis of prime energy efficiency, emissions and economics
• Technologies for “waste” heat recovery
• Concisely communicating the operation of a DER configuration to a semi-technical audience

Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential, as this position involves collaboration across disciplines, preparation of research reports and publications, and communication of results to both technical and non‑technical audiences as well as potential end‑use adopters of DER technologies in industrial and commercial building sectors.

Responsibilities also include leading research on emerging technologies, publishing and presenting research findings, mentoring graduate students, and contributing to proposal development and reporting to project sponsors.

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Architectural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field by the start date of the appointment.

Applicants should be highly motivated, creative, and collaborative, with a strong background in distributed energy technologies: combined heat and power (CHP), hybrid systems consisting of CHP combined with solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, and electrical and thermal storage technologies, familiarity with DER system configurations in the form of a microgrid or district thermal networks, and experience in the design and operation of existing systems, particularly from an economic return‑on‑investment analysis perspective.

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Contact information for 3–5 references

External applicants should click "Apply" to submit the application. Current Penn State employees or students must log in to Workday to complete the internal or student application process.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (

Note:

For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

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