Postdoctoral Researcher - Grid Modernization Initiative (GMI)

Colorado State University; United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University’s Energy Institute seeks a postdoctoral researcher to advance AI-enabled microgrids and resilient energy systems for critical infrastructure. The role develops optimization, control, data-driven methods, and digital twins for microgrids, distributed energy resources, and energy storage, with applications to data centers and SMR integration.

The successful candidate will collaborate with CSU faculty, federal agencies, national laboratories, and industry partners to

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field completed by start date.
• Experience programming in Python, MATLAB, or Julia.
• Experience with optimization or control of microgrids.

Responsibilities

• Develop optimization and control methods for microgrids, distributed energy resources, and energy storage.
• Evaluate reliability, resilience, contingency response, and resource integration for data centers and SMRs.
• Develop and validate power system models and digital twins using offline or real-time simulation and data.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Julia

Machine Learning

Education

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering

Job description

Position Summary:

The Grid Modernization Initiative at Colorado State University's Energy Institute seeks a postdoctoral researcher to advance AI-enabled microgrids and resilient energy systems for critical infrastructure. The researcher will develop and evaluate optimization, control, data-driven methods, and digital twins for microgrids, distributed energy resources, and energy storage. Applications include data center energy systems and small modular reactor (SMR) integration. The researcher will collaborate with CSU faculty, students, federal agencies, national laboratories, and industry partners to validate methods and prepare publications and project deliverables.

Essential Job Duties:

Develop optimization and control methods for microgrids, distributed energy resources, and energy storage. Evaluate reliability, resilience, contingency response, and resource integration for assigned applications, including data center energy systems and SMRs. Develop and validate power system models and digital twins using offline or real-time simulation, measurement data, and reproducible computational workflows. Prepare technical reports and sponsor deliverables, contribute to research proposals, and coordinate assigned activities with project partners.

Conditions of Employment:

Successful completion of the required pre-employment criminal background check and verification of the qualifying doctoral degree by the start date. Ability to perform the essential duties in Fort Collins, Colorado, with reasonable accommodation as applicable. Travel to the project site in Cordova, Alaska, for one project visit. The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by employment start date. The department will not sponsor visa status.

Supervision:

No direct employee reports. Mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field, with all degree requirements completed by the employment start date. Experience programming in at least one scientific computing language, such as Python, MATLAB, Julia, or an equivalent language.

Preferred Qualifications:

Research experience in power and energy systems, including optimization and/or control of microgrids, distribution systems, or distributed energy resources. Experience applying AI or machine learning to power and energy systems. Experience with power system modeling, real-time simulation, or digital twins. Research experience in energy resilience, energy storage, data center energy systems, or SMR integration. Record of peer-reviewed publications and effective written and oral technical communication. Experience collaborating on externally funded research, or mentoring students.

Salary Range $70,000 to $78,000 per year

Employee Benefits:

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that is transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact. For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Inspired by its land-grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world. Prospective Employees, Current employees will need to apply for jobs in Workday.