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Postdoctoral Researcher: Power System Operation and Optimization

National Laboratory of the Rockies

Golden, CO(remote)

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JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$76,600–$126,400 Per Year
SKILLS
Automation, Background Investigation, C++ Programming Language, Communication Skills, Computer Science, Cost Control, Cross-Functional, Data Modeling, Economic Growth, Electrical Engineering, Energy Management, English Language, Government, Homeland Security, Internet Security, Laboratory, MATLAB, Management Strategy, Multitasking, Open Source, Power Engineering, Power Plant, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Programming Languages, Python Programming/Scripting Language, Research & Development (R&D), Research Skills, Scientific Publications, Software Development, State Laws and Regulations, Strategic Planning, System Integration (SI), System Operations, Systems Analysis, Systems Engineering, Team Player, Trademarks, United States Department of Energy (DOE), Willing to Travel, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Golden, CO
POSTED
4 days ago
Posting Title

Postdoctoral Researcher: Power System Operation and Optimization

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Location

CO - Golden

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Position Type

Postdoc (Fixed Term)

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Hours Per Week

40

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Working at NLR

NLR is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for energy systems research and development.


Join the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), where world-class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. From our mission to our collaborative culture, NLR stands out in the research community for its commitment to an affordable and secure energy future. Spanning foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis, we focus on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions. Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth.


At NLR, you'll find a mission-driven environment supported by state-of-the-art facilities, multidisciplinary research teams, and strong collaborations with industry, academia, and other national laboratories. We offer robust professional development opportunities, and a competitive benefits package designed to support your career and well-being.


Job Description


The Grid Automation and Controls Group of the Power Systems and Engineering Center (PSEC) at the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) is looking for an exceptional Ph.D. graduate to support research in power grid operation and optimization.


We are looking for a power system researcher who has solid background on power system modeling, operation, and optimization. Ideal candidate is expected to have strong experience in understanding power system operations and energy management topics, and developing optimization models and/or data-driven controls that are related to at least one of the following topics:


+ Developing energy management strategies related to ADMS, DERMS, microgrid controls, home energy management system

+ Developing optimization schemes or data-driven controls for grid reliability and resilience

+ Developing grid automation and control schemes


Ideal candidate is also expected to have a proven record of publishing research work in prestigious journals. The successful candidate will work on multiple projects, and collaborate with both internal researchers and external partners.


_Note: this position requires in-person work arrangements at NLR's South Table Mountain Campus in Golden, CO and is not eligible for 100% remote work._


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Basic Qualifications

Must be a recent PhD graduate within the last three years.


* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.


Additional Required Qualifications


+ Relevant Ph.D. or Ph.D. candidate in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science or related fields

+ Experience in power system modeling, optimization, and control

+ Experience in at least one of the power system software tools including OpenDSS, PSCAD, PSS/E

+ Experience in at least one of the optimization solvers and platforms such as CPLEX, CVXPY, Pyomo, GAMS

+ Proficiency in MATLAB or Python programming


Preferred Qualifications


+ Familiarity with microgrid, grid resilience, grid cybersecurity

+ Familiarity with market participation, demand response, virtual power plant

+ Familiarity with T&D coordination


+ Proficiency in commercial/open-source optimization solvers and packages (e.g., GAMS, Gurobi, CPLEX)

+ Software development experience is a plus. Experience with software development in Python, C++, or other programming languages

+ Excellent writing and verbal communication skills

+ Track record in strong scientific publications


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Job Application Submission Window


The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.


Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)

Job Profile: Postdoctoral Researcher / Annual Salary Range: $76,600 - $126,400


NLR takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.


Benefits Summary

Benefits include 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 (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; and paid holidays. NLR employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement.


* Based on eligibility rules


Badging Requirement

NLR is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation.


Drug Free Workplace


NLR is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.


If you are offered employment at NLR, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.


Submission Guidelines


Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NLR you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.


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Equal Opportunity Employer


All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.


Reasonable Accommodations (http://www.nrel.gov/careers/employment-policies.html)


E-Verifywww.dhs.gov/E-VerifyFor information about right to work, click here (http://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/crt/legacy/2013/08/13/FinalOSCPosterEN08_01_2013.pdf) for English orhere (http://www.justice.gov/crt/file/813271/download) for Spanish.


E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce.


The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) is the U.S. Department of Energy's primary national laboratory for critical minerals, energy innovation, and energy security. With locations in Golden and Boulder, Colorado, Fairbanks, Alaska, and a satellite office in Washington, D.C., NLR bridges foundational research with practical applications to develop and bring to scale new energy materials and technologies that lower energy costs, drive economic growth, and deliver abundant and reliable energy.


NLR is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All candidates must be authorized to access the facility per DOE rules and guidance within a reasonable time frame for the specified position in order to be considered for an interview and for hiring. DOE rules for site access during the interview process depend on whether the candidate is interviewed on-site, off-site, or via telephone or videoconference. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation. Additionally, DOE contractor employees are prohibited from participating in certain Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs (FGTRPs). If a candidate is currently participating in an FGTRP, they will be required to disclose their participation after receiving an offer of employment and may be required to disengage from participation in the FGTRP prior to commencing employment. Any offer of employment is conditional on the ability to obtain work authorization and to be granted access to NLR by the Department of Energy (DOE).


Drug Free Workplace


NLR is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.


If you are offered employment at NLR, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.


Please review the information on our Hiring Process (https://www.nlr.gov/careers/hiring-process.html) website before you create an account and apply for a job. We also hope you will learn more about NLR (https://www.nlr.gov/about/) , visit our Careers site (https://www.nlr.gov/careers/) , and continue to search for job opportunities (https://nrel.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/NLR) at the lab.

About the Company

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National Laboratory of the Rockies