Postdoctoral Research Associate in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Iowa State University - College of Design; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental benefits

Retirement benefits

Vacation and leave

Job summary

Iowa State University’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance research in optimization, data analytics, and control of power distribution systems.

The successful candidate will collaborate with utility partners and national laboratories, using real-world data to develop innovative solutions that improve reliability, efficiency, and resilience of electric distribution networks.

Qualifications

• PhD in Electrical Engineering completed or near completion.
• Authorship or co-authorship of at least one peer-reviewed journal article or conference paper.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills through independent research or dissertation work.
• Evidence of research initiative and creativity in publications or leadership in research activities.
• Experience presenting research findings at conferences, seminars, or invited talks.

Responsibilities

• Participate in research projects focused on optimization, data analytics, and control of power distribution systems.
• Collaborate with utility partners and national laboratories using real-world data and models.
• Develop innovative solutions to enhance reliability, efficiency, and resilience of electric power distribution networks.

Skills

Power distribution

Optimization

Data analytics

Control theory

Publications

Analytical skills

Research initiative

Presentations

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Position Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Appointment Type: Post Doc/Trainee

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Iowa State University invites applications for an immediate Postdoctoral Research Associate position. The successful candidate will participate in cutting-edge research projects focused on optimization, data analytics, and control of power distribution systems. This position offers the opportunity to collaborate closely with utility company partners and national laboratories, utilizing real-world utility data and models to address practical and impactful challenges in modern power systems. The selected candidate will contribute to the development of innovative solutions that enhance the reliability, efficiency, and resilience of electric power distribution networks.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Electrical Engineering

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated research experience in power distribution systems, optimization, data analytics, or control through doctoral research, postdoctoral research, industry experience, or funded research projects.
• Authorship or co-authorship of at least one peer-reviewed journal article or conference paper in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills through completion of independent research projects, dissertation research, or development of technical solutions in a relevant discipline.
• Evidence of research initiative and creativity, such as first-author publications, leadership of research activities, proposal development, or significant contributions to collaborative research projects.
• Experience presenting technical or research findings to academic, industry, or professional audiences through conference presentations, seminars, workshops, or invited talks.

Department/Program & College Description

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is part of Iowa State University's College of Engineering, one of the nation's leading engineering colleges. The department is recognized for excellence in research, education, and innovation across areas including electric power and energy systems, communications, cybersecurity, microelectronics, and systems and controls. Faculty and researchers collaborate with industry, government agencies, and national laboratories to develop solutions that address pressing technological and societal challenges.

Department Unit/Website: Engineering Graduate Studies - College of Engineering

Why Choose Iowa State University?

• Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

Proposed Start Date: November 1, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12

Month Work Period Time Type: Full time

Pay Grade: Post Docs

Original Posting Date: August 12, 2026

Posting Close Date: October 17, 2026

Job Requisition Number: R19752

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran.

Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. [phone], email [e-mail].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications. Current employees (excluding temporary, student and graduate assistants) must apply through the Workday Internal Careers Hub.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran.

Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email [e-mail] or call [phone] or Toll-Free: [phone]. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or [phone].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.