Postdoctoral Research Associate

wsu; Pullman (WA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid leave

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Disability coverage

Job summary

Washington State University seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead and support a portfolio of funded research projects in grid-forming inverter models and HVDC modeling. The candidate will develop control strategies, conduct hardware experiments, and validate algorithms under the supervision of Dr. Wei Du in VCEA/EECS/ESIC at Pullman, WA.

Responsibilities include supervising Ph.D. students, coordinating with PNNL collaborators, and contributing to proposals and publications in power

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with focus on power engineering.
• Experience modelling the power grid and stability analyses.
• Experience with high-fidelity inverter/HVDC models and control concepts.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support funded research projects under supervision for grid-forming inverter and HVDC modeling.
• Develop robust control strategies for inverter-based resources and validate with hardware experiments.
• Supervise Ph.D. students, plan research progress, and aid dissemination of results.
• Collaborate with PNNL researchers and develop proposals for new efforts.

Skills

Grid modelling

HVDC modelling

Power system stability

Research supervision

Education

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on: August 19, 2026 If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s): 306-YY_FACULTY - Postdoctoral Research Associate

Business Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate

Employee Type: Faculty (+) (Fixed Term)

Position Term: 12Month

The Opportunity:

Postdoctoral candidate will lead and support a portfolio of funded research projects under the supervision of Dr. Wei Du, Assistant Professor, Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture (VCEA), School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS)/Energy Systems Innovation Center (ESIC) to develop high-fidelity grid-forming inverter models and high-voltage direct current (HVDC) models, and investigate their impact on the power system stability. Candidate will also develop robust control strategies for inverter-based resources, and conduct hardware experiments and hardware-in-the-loop testing to validate the control algorithms.

Research Component:

• Conduct research on modelling and analysis of electric power grid
• Study impacts of high-fidelity grid-forming inverter models and high-voltage direct current (HVCD) models on power system stability
• Contribute to the advances of power systems optimization and stability
• Lead collaborations with PNNL researchers and develop proposals to support new efforts in the aforementioned problem space

Student Supervision:

• Help supervise Ph.D. students: Create a research plan aligned with ongoing projects, timely follow-up on research progress, and assist in dissemination of the results
• Help prepare training and skill development plans for early Ph.D. students related to conceptual understanding, research methodology, and implementation details
• Hold weekly paper reading session with Ph.D. students and provide feedback

Benefits:

WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for Faculty and Total Compensation. For information or questions about Benefits, please contact HRS Benefits at 509-335-4521.

Additional Information:

• Annual Salary: $62,232 - $120,000 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110 , the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. Successful candidates typically begin up to mid-point of the salary range.

This is a full time (100% FTE), temporary position. This position is overtime eligible.

Appointment Duration: This is a temporary position expected to start on August 20, 2026 and end on August 19, 2027. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, specializing in Power Engineering or related discipline;
• Experience conducting research on modelling and analysis of the power grid;
• Experience conducting research on high-fidelity inverter models and high-voltage direct current (HBCD) models on power system stability

Position Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for work visa sponsorship

About School - School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science & Energy Systems Innovation Center

College: Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture (VCEA)

Department Name: School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS)/Energy Systems Innovation Center (ESIC)

Location: Pullman, WA 99164

Contact: For questions regarding this position or the application process, please contact Wei Du at [e-mail] or 509-371-6609.

Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access