Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL )Energy Storage and Distributed Resources Division has an opening for a Power Systems Modeling Postdoctoral Fellow  to join the team.

In this role, you will develop innovative optimization models in the context of distribution and transmission grid investment and planning, unit commitment and economic dispatch problems. These models  will be developed within multiple projects funded by the US Department of Energy and converted into tools that can be used by the power system industry, academia or policy/regulatory entities.

Included in the Grid Integration Group, the Grid Planning and Economics team develops models and software solutions to support decisions around power systems planning, economics as well as electricity markets and policy.

Examples of successful models developed by the Grid Planning and Economics team include:

• The Security-constrained AC OPF algorithm, which received a top performer prize in Challenge 2 of the ARPA-e Grid Optimization Competition.

• The resilient distribution expansion model, developed in partnership with the industry, which was recently made available as a prototype tool .

• Different models for microgrid planning, covering different design aspects, such as distribution grid  or multi-energy representations, included LBNL’s DER-CAM tool .

What You Will Do:

• Develop innovative research work in distribution and transmission grid investment and planning, unit commitment  or economic dispatch problems.

• Model different sources of uncertainty in power systems planning.

• Implement models, develop algorithms, and write code in Python/Julia

• Work with the team to integrate these models into new LBNL repositories and software solutions. 

• Write journal and conference papers.

• Prepare reports and presentations.

• Attend to group and project meetings. 

What is Required:

• A PhD in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering or Operations Research.

• Solid background on Power Systems steady-state modeling (balanced and unbalanced power flow, OPF).

• A good understanding of the power systems economic contexts, including distribution and transmission operator decision-making processes in different regulatory environments.

• Experience in optimization methods applied to power system economics.

• Good coding skills (python and Julia are a plus).

• A strong record of publications in the power systems field.

Desired Qualifications:

• 1 paper publication in IEEE Transactions

• Experience in decision methods.

• Familiarity with object-oriented programming

For Consideration, please apply with the following application materials:

• Cover Letter - Describe your interest in this position and the relevance of your background

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume

Notes:

• This is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 2 year (benefits eligible), Postdoctoral Fellow appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience.

• The monthly salary range for this position is $6,936 / mo - $7,747.00 / mo and is expected to start at $6,396 / mo or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral and/or related research experience.

• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.

• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

• Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720.

Learn About Us:

Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 16 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities. To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab- Click Here .

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Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab’s mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. 

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