Postdoctoral Researcher: Modeling and Stability Analysis for Modern Power Systems

The 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.

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

Skills

• 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
• 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

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