Postdoctoral Researcher: Inverter-based Resources (IBR) Driven Power System Protection Study & [...]

National Renewable Energy Laboratory; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement benefits: pension and 403(b

Paid time off and holidays

Life and AD&D insurance

Job summary

National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, CO seeks a PhD‑level expert to advance transient stability studies in inverter‑based resource grids. You will develop protective relay models, perform fault and stability studies, and contribute to publications.

This role requires hands‑on experience with relay configuration, hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing, power electronics, and a strong background in protection and stability analysis.

Qualifications

• PhD in electrical engineering or closely related field, within 3 years post‑grad.
• Deep knowledge of power system protection and relay types.
• Experience with hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing and relay configuration.

Responsibilities

• Develop protective relay models based on vendor datasheets and manuals.
• Perform fault studies to evaluate protections and validate with relay models and hardware tests.
• Study IBR-driven stability from device to system level and propose control strategies.
• Build EMT models in PSCAD and automate simulations for metrics.
• Lead or contribute to journal articles and conference papers.

Skills

Power system protection

Relay testing

Python programming

Power electronics

Control theory

Stability analysis

Inverter-based resources modeling

Commissioning/bench testing

Education

PhD in electrical engineering or power systems

Tools

PSCAD

PSSE

PSLF

Matlab/Simulink

RSCAD

Synchrowave

Job description

Job Description

Dedicated to advancing transient stability studies in inverter‑based resource (IBR) dominant grids, the successful candidate will develop and validate protective relay models, conduct fault and stability studies, and contribute to scientific publications.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop protective relay models based on vendor datasheets and manuals.
• Perform thorough fault studies to evaluate existing protection schemes, propose improvements, and validate through simulated relay models and hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing for industry collaborations.
• Conduct fundamental studies of IBR‑driven stability from device to system level, proposing control strategies for IBR dominant power systems with low inertia and short‑circuit ratio (SCR).
• Build EMT models of IBR‑dominated power systems in PSCAD and automate simulation runs to extract key performance metrics.
• Lead and/or contribute to journal articles, conference papers, and technical reports.

Basic Qualifications

• Recent PhD graduate (within the last three years).
• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required Qualifications

• Strong background in power system protection and knowledge of relay types (differential, distance, directional, traveling wave); hands‑on experience with relay configuration and hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing using Synchrowave or similar tools.
• Knowledge of power electronics, control theory, and power system stability; familiarity with IBR modeling, control, and stability analysis (small‑signal and transient stability).
• Experience with short‑circuit programs such as CAPE and ASPEN, and simulation tools including PSCAD, PSSE, PSLF, Matlab/Simulink, RSCAD; proficiency in Python programming.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and troubleshoot complex issues.

Preferred Qualifications

• No additional qualifications listed.

Benefits Summary

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Short‑term disability insurance.
• Retirement benefits: pension, 403(b) employee savings plan with employer match.
• Life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
• Paid time off (PTO) and sick leave; paid holidays.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. Reasonable accommodations are available.