Post Doc Research Associate - Distribution System Modeling
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, flexible work schedules and telework options. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.
Overview
The Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division is one of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's most innovative teams. We are talented, award-winning administrators, specialists, technicians, managers, scientists and engineers, and we're working at the forefront of some of America's toughest energy challenges. Our mission is to provide multi-disciplinary solutions to energy challenges that have impacts on a national-scale. We employ a systems perspective that addresses technological, economic, regulatory, and market barriers to improve the nation's energy systems from generation to end-use. We provide transparent, reproducible, and unbiased results to guide policy and technological innovation.
Responsibilities
The Distributed Systems Group at PNNL is looking for a Post Doctorate Research Assistant to perform research in the area of distribution grid modeling (i.e., volt/var, optimal power flow, and hosting capacity) using flexible devices (e.g., energy storage technologies, air conditioning systems and other demand response resources).
While specific tasks may vary, the prospective intern will likely gain experience in these areas:
- Distribution grid modeling, with capabilities to support market clearing mechanisms
- Resilience analysis
- Cost-based resource control
- Automation of developed modeling methods to develop a platform to effectively disseminate research outcomes
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:
- Received a PhD degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
- Knowledge of at least one high-level programming language such as Python, MATLAB, etc.
- Knowledge of electric distribution systems and modeling
- Experience with steady-state distribution grid modeling tools (e.g., GridLAB-D, OpenDSS, etc.)
- Experience with dynamic grid modeling methods
- Knowledge and experience with optimization problem formulation and solutions strategies
- Knowledge and experience with open-source modeling and application development
Additional Information
The anticipated start date of this position is ASAP through at least September 2022.
Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity
Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at hr@pnnl.gov.
Drug Free Workplace
PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.
Mandatory Requirements
Battelle requires employees to have a COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment, subject to accommodation. Applicants are required to disclose their vaccination status following a conditional offer of employment and must attest to being fully vaccinated with a Center for Disease Control (CDC)-approved COVID-19 vaccination, or provide documentation of need for medical or religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement.