Postdoctoral Research Associate - Grid-Edge Integration and Control

Requisition Id 14165 

Overview: 

The Grid Interactive Controls Research Group (GICR) in the Electrification and Energy Infrastructure Division (EEID) within the Energy Science and Technology Directorate (ESTD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate. The Grid Interactive Controls group specializes in pioneering innovations at the edge of today’s power grid, concentrating on fortifying grid security, enhancing reliability, bolstering resilience and advancing decarbonization. Our primary focus lies in the comprehensive 'Everything-to-Grid' (X2G) strategies, developing cutting-edge solutions in grid-edge integration and control. Our commitment revolves around seamlessly incorporating emerging distributed energy resources, including demand response emerging at the grid edge, providing essential services crucial to its reliable operation. Employing a diverse range of disciplines such as control theory, optimization, economics, game theory, data analytics, and machine learning, the Grid Interactive Controls group delves deeply into understanding intricate grid-edge operations. Researchers are dedicated to laying the groundwork for optimal X2G integration and utilization. Group initiatives encompass innovative sensor technologies, advanced modeling techniques, and precise control mechanisms specifically designed for the grid edge. Research promotes grid-interactive efficient buildings as pivotal components in advancing building-to-grid integration, amplifying their role in electrification of heating and ultimately shaping the future decarbonized grid.

Selection will be based on qualifications, relevant experience, skills, and education. The successful candidate should be highly self-motivated and independent in conducting research under general guidance, and is expected to prepare manuscripts for scientific publication and present the work to sponsors and at conferences. The candidate should demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge in control and optimization, and strong power systems domain knowledge and have experience developing software tools.

As part of our research team, the candidate will be responsible for conducting, coordinating, and reporting complex research assignments related to X2G integration, specifically: 1) Distributed Energy Resource (DER) system modeling, simulation, and analysis; 2) DER system security and privacy; 3) Grid-edge sensing, communication and control; and 4) software coding, hardware-in-the-loop simulation and hardware deployment. The candidate will also interact and collaborate with researchers from universities, national laboratories, and private industry.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Conduct innovative research in power distribution system operation and control, considering various uncertainties and risks related to DER integration.
• Develop and implement cyber-physical dynamic models for power distribution systems, focusing on grid-edge DER modeling and control.
• Design and implement hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations to test and evaluate system components and control algorithms in a realistic environment.
• Deploy and test hardware systems in laboratory and field settings to validate DER integration strategies.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to address technical challenges and propose innovative solutions for DER integration and control.
• Prepare technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations to disseminate research findings to stakeholders and the scientific community.
• Support proposal development and project planning activities to advance research in distribution system modeling and control.
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD in electrical engineering, computer science, or related field with an understanding of electric power systems completed within the last five years.
• A strong theoretical background with evidence in optimization, grid and DER modeling, and engineering control.
• Strong expertise in power system with focus on distribution grid modeling, power flow analysis, state estimation, dynamics, and optimization.
• Familiarity with control theory and its application to power systems, especially DER integration.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation and hands-on deployment of hardware systems.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and produce high-quality publications.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Techno-economic analysis of energy systems.
• Modeling and control of HVAC, building systems, and/or transportation systems.
• Strong background in machine learning, with practical experience applying these techniques to distribution systems.
• Design and evaluate co-simulation models for grid-edge resources, incorporating DERs, flexible buildings and EV demand, grid sensing and communication technologies.
• Knowledge of DER communication protocols (e.g., IEEE 2030.5, Modbus, or OpenADR).
• Proven track record of scholarly publications and presentations in relevant fields.
• Prior experience with DOE projects.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Special Requirements:

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
• View Profile
• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

Some travel will be required for this position.

Benefits at ORNL:

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.