Post Doctorate Research Associate - Energy Systems Engineering

Postdoctoral Researcher Opportunity

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments referred to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management.

The Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, is accelerating the transition to an efficient, resilient, and secure energy system through basic and applied research. We leverage a strong technical foundation in power and energy systems and advanced data analytics to drive innovation, transform markets, and shape energy policy.

Responsibilities

We are seeking an enthusiastic Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team in advancing the field of power system modeling and simulation. This position focuses on developing innovative approaches to power system state estimation, prediction, and optimization, leveraging cutting-edge techniques, including generative AI, to solve the growing complexity of power & energy systems.

As part of our dynamic and collaborative research team, you will have the opportunity to explore and implement novel methodologies that advance the future of energy systems. The ideal candidate for this position brings strong expertise in AI programming and a solid background in power system modeling and simulation. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to high-impact research and drive advancements in energy technologies for years to come.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must have received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field with emphasis on power systems, computational modeling, or optimization.
• Demonstrated expertise in power system modeling, simulation, and optimization, with experience applying these methods to real-world or large-scale systems.
• Proficiency in developing and implementing AI/ML approaches for solving complex engineering or energy systems challenges.
• Strong programming and software development skills in Python, MATLAB, or comparable languages and frameworks.
• Proven record of scholarly excellence, including publications in reputable peer-reviewed journals or conferences.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to contribute effectively within interdisciplinary research teams.
• Experience working with large datasets and applied analytics for power system or grid-related applications.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience engaging with industry partners or collaborative projects that advance innovation in power systems or grid modernization.