Post Doctorate Research Associate- Sensing & Measurement

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Flexible work schedules

Job summary

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is seeking a Post Doctoral Researcher in the Energy Systems Engineering Group to advance research at the interface of power systems monitoring and data analytics. You will contribute to peer‑reviewed publications and collaborate across institutions while applying Python, MATLAB, and commercial simulators to evolving grid challenges.

The role emphasizes independent growth, strong technical writing, and proposing new ideas to broaden capabilities in power

Qualifications

• PhD within the last five years or within the next eight months from an accredited college or university.
• PhD in electrical engineering or related field preferred.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher preferred.
• Proficiency in scripting languages like MATLAB and Python.
• Strong foundation in power systems dynamics; experience with commercial simulators (PSS/E, PowerWorld, PSCAD).
• Experience in statistical signal processing; strong writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research at the intersection of power systems monitoring, statistical signal processing, and grid reliability.
• Develop rigorous approaches to modern power system dynamics and grid challenges.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary researchers to advance program objectives.
• Produce journal articles, conference papers, and technical reports; present findings to audiences.
• Contribute to proposals and expansion of research capabilities.

Skills

Power systems dynamics

Python

MATLAB

Statistical signal processing

Technical writing

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in electrical engineering

GPA 3.5 or higher

Tools

PSS/E

PowerWorld

PSCAD

Git

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.
Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Integrated Discovery Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.
TheEnergy and Environment Directoratedeliversscience and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management.
TheElectricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, is accelerating the transition to an efficient, resilient, and secure energy system through basic and applied research. We leverage a strong technical foundation in power and energy systems and advanced data analytics to drive innovation, transform markets, and shape energy policy.

Responsibilities

The Energy Systems Engineering Group is seeking aPost Doctoral Researcher to join a dynamic research program at the intersection of power systemsmonitoring, statistical signal processing, and emerging grid reliability challenges posed by evolving load profiles and generation mixes. The ideal candidate will havea strong foundationin power systems dynamics, familiarity with time-synchronized measurements and wide-area measurement systems, andproficiencyin scripting languages such as Python and MATLAB. Experience with positive-sequence and/or EMT dynamic modeling, andproficiencywith commercial simulation platforms such as PSS/E,PowerWorld, or PSCAD, will be highly desirable. Other valuable skills include strong technical writing, experience with data analytics, machine learning, or AI applications, and familiarity with version control platforms such as Git.

Beyond technical skills, we are looking for an intellectually curious, self-directed researcher who thrives in a collaborative, multi-institutional environment. The ability to grow quickly into new problem domains matters as much as specific prior expertise. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to peer-reviewed publications, present findings to technical and industry audiences, and play an active role in shaping research directions.

Key responsibilities include, but aren’t limited to:

• Supporting the development of innovative, technically rigorous research approaches to address challenges in modern power system dynamics,emerging power electronics-interfaced loads,generation/storage resources, and electrified transportation.
• Collaborating closely with researchers from diverse technical backgrounds across the group and division to contribute to solutions that enable the grid of the future.
• Executing research tasks with appropriate guidance, demonstrating increasing independence over time, and managing small, well defined technical efforts as experience grows.
• Contributing to high quality technical products such as journal articles, conference papers, and technical reports, and presenting research findings to internal and external audiences.
• Supporting the development of new research ideas and assisting in the preparation of proposals that expand capabilities and advance program objectives.

The successful candidate will be accountable to:

• Project Managers for meeting expectations around task execution, quality, timeliness.
• The Energy Systems Engineering Group Leader, and Sensing & Measurements Team Lead, for general staff performance and development and operational discipline (e.g., maintaining training qualifications, procedural compliance, safe operations).

Qualifications

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:

• Ph.D. in electrical engineering or related field.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher preferred.
• Proficiency in scripting languages like MATLAB and Python.
• Strong foundation in power systems dynamics, hands-on experience with commercial power systems simulators like PSS/E/PowerWorld and/or PSCAD, familiarity with inverter control principles.
• Experience in statistical signal processing, demonstrated through graduate-level research projects or coursework.
• Strong technical writing and oral communication skills.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not Applicable.

Testing Designated Position

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

About PNNL

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, and flexible work schedules. 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.

Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, 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 [e-mail].

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.

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.

Mandatory Requirements

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a "country of risk" without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Rockstar Rewards

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program,