National Laboratory of the Rockies · 2 weeks ago
Postdoctoral Researcher: Modeling and Stability Analysis for Modern Power Systems
United States
Full-time
Remote
New Grad, Entry Level
$75K/yr - $124K/yrThe National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is the nation's primary laboratory for energy systems research and development. The Postdoctoral Researcher will support research in modeling and simulation of modern power grids, focusing on stability analysis and addressing challenges associated with increasing inverter-based resources.
Clean EnergyCleanTechEnergyRenewable Energy
Responsibilities
Conduct transient analysis (small-signal, transient, and voltage stability) for high IBR-dominated systems
Support large-scale system studies (e.g., national-scale scenarios) using commercial tools (e.g., PSSE, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSCAD) or open-source tools (e.g., ParaEMT, ANDES and others)
Develop new type of electrical components (such as advanced pumped storage hydro, data center, etc.) for large-scale power grids study
Support interconnection studies, grid impact assessments, and compliance studies
Prepare the results in form of reports and presentations
Write and publish results of analyses in peer-reviewed journals, transactions, conference proceedings, and/or technical reports
Qualification
Required
Must be a recent PhD graduate within the last three years
Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date
Relevant Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science or related fields
Solid background in power systems dynamics and modeling including load flow, short-circuit, and contingency analysis
Proficiency with power system simulation tools in Phasor-domain (e.g., PSSE, PSLF, Powerworld, etc, PSCAD or EMTP experience is a plus)
Strong understanding of inverter-based resource(IBR) integration challenges, and power system stability concepts
Preferred
Strong understanding of small-signal, transient, and voltage stability
Hands-on experience developing user-defined dynamic models of IBRs in PSS/E or PSLF
Familiarity with modeling of energy storage systems, including pumped-storage hydro and batteries
Experience in modeling and simulation of inverter-based resources (IBRs) and stability analysis of high-IBR-dominated power systems
Experience with data center modeling is a plus
Hands-on experience with new IBR models (e.g., WECC REGFMA1, REGFMB1, vendor-provided models) is a plus
Experience with software development in Python, C++, or other programming languages
Hands-on experience developing automated tools for accelerating contingency analysis is a plus
Strong analytical skills with the ability to process, interpret, and present technical results clearly
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Benefits
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
Paid holidays
Company
National Laboratory of the Rockies
The U.S. Department of Energy's primary national laboratory for energy systems research and development.
Founded in 1977
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$166.09MKey Investors
US Department of EnergyARPA-E
2024-09-04Grant
2023-09-21Grant· $1M
2023-05-22Grant· $150M
Leadership Team
Clay Sumner
Deputy Chief Financial Officer
Jennifer L.
Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
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