Postdoctoral Research Associate in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Iowa State University; United States; On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa State University is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Electrical and Computer Engineering. The successful candidate will join cutting-edge projects in optimization, data analytics, and control of power distribution systems, with opportunities to collaborate with utility partners and national laboratories.

The role emphasizes developing innovative solutions to enhance reliability, efficiency, and resilience of electric power networks, with publication of research

Qualifications

• PhD in Electrical Engineering required.
• Strong research in power distribution, optimization, data analytics, or control.
• Peer‑reviewed publications in relevant fields.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to present research findings to broad audiences.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on optimization, data analytics, and control of power distribution systems.
• Collaborate with utility partners and national laboratories on real-world data and models.
• Develop innovative solutions to improve reliability, efficiency, and resilience of electric power networks.
• Publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Mentor students and contribute to grant proposals as appropriate.

Skills

Optimization

Data analytics

Power systems

Control theory

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Simulink

Job description

Position Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Appointment Type

Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description

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

September 1, 2026

Job Requisition Number

R19752

Equal Opportunity Statement

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 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 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, 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].

Compensation Information

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 is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community.

Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference.

With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds.

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 (800