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

The Power Systems Modeling Research Scientist will lead the research and development of optimization-based planning methodologies for distribution grids. These methodologies will be used to enhance the LBNL portfolio of models and tools in the area of  distribution grid planning, supported by the DOE - Office of Electricity.

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.

The position requires excellent ability to think innovatively and independently, and contribute to explore, accomplish, test and demonstrate advancements in power system planning and economics, while also being mindful of real-world implementation of grid planning methodologies and understanding their policy and regulatory contexts.

What You Will Do:

• Develop, test, and implement  optimization models applied to distribution system planning and economics.

• Manage high-impact R&D projects related to advanced grid modeling and power systems optimization.

• Implement and review model formulations and software code.

• Analyze different contexts of power grid planning/operation and develop consistent research plans, including adequate optimization model requirements, formulation, and software architecture solutions for the implementation.

• Contribute to the dissemination of the Group’s scientific and engineering advances through publications in peer-reviewed journals and other relevant technical media, presentations at conferences and via webinars, and through development and participation in training programs.

• Perform the detailed analysis of data from these tests or simulations and their dissemination and publication.

• Learn and keep-up with advances in technology, theory, and software relevant planning and operation of power grids.

• Interface with internal collaborators, research and technical staff, leadership, and administrative staff of the Energy Technologies Area, and funding sponsors.

• Assist in identifying new funding opportunities aligned with the strategic interests of the Grid Integration Group, and prepare proposals in response. 

• Lead, and mentor postdoctoral fellows, technical staff, graduate students and other group members as necessary. 

• Attend group meetings, and present status reports and scientific findings at group meetings, conferences, and workshops.

• Keep an accurate and detailed record of laboratory and analytical work.

What is Required:

• Advanced degree in  Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, Operations Research or related field plus 2+ years of research experience or equivalent education and experience.

• Demonstrated experience in power flow modeling, both in simulation and optimization environments.

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

• Demonstrated experience designing high performance optimization algorithms and implementations.

• Solid background in operations research applied to power systems.

• Solid experience developing optimization models in Python and/or Julia.

• Familiarity with all  three relevant fields of power engineering science: (1) optimal power flow, (2)distribution grid expansion planning; (3) microgrid planning and design; reliability/resilience assessment.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct and perform collaborative research and effectively interact with a broad range of colleagues with tact and diplomacy.

• Demonstrated ability to independently carry out creative research with a proven record of publications and achievement.

• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to troubleshoot experimental processes and/or simulations, and provide analysis and offer solutions.

• Excellent organizational, analytical, and record-keeping skills.

• Demonstrated ability to accurately and eloquently represent and promote scientific projects to audiences of diverse technical backgrounds.

• Highly effective interpersonal skills, with experience in establishing effective collaborations and interacting with members of the scientific and electrical power-related institutional agencies, and funding research sponsor communities.

• Excellent communication skills both verbal and writing, with demonstrated experience preparing funding proposals, writing  technical reports, making presentations, interacting with internal and external clients.

• Excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritize competing deadlines.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, Operations Research or equivalent field.

• Experience leading R&D projects in the area of distribution grid planning and/or power system.

• Experience developing and implementing power system models.

Notes:

• This is a full time 1 year, career-track term appointment that may be renewed to a maximum of five years and that may be converted to career based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.

• The full salary range for this position is $$88,236.00 -$211,752.00. The budgeted salary range that the Lab reasonably expects to pay for this position is $134121 to $148,226. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, and certifications, and also aligned with the internal peer group.

• 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.

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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.

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