Research Professional - Grid Optimization and Control

UT-Battelle; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

UT-Battelle is seeking a Research Professional 2 to advance innovative research on electric power systems, grid architectures, and power electronics at ORNL in Knoxville, TN. The role emphasizes independent leadership in multidisciplinary R&D, modeling, hardware validation, and demonstrations.

The candidate will collaborate across ORNL with industry, utilities, universities, and federal agencies to enhance reliability, resilience, and sustainability of future energy systems, guiding students and

Qualifications

• 2 years of relevant research or engineering experience after Ph.D.
• Expertise in power electronics or grid integration technologies.
• Experience modeling and simulating power systems with MATLAB/Simulink, PSCAD, PLECS, OPAL-RT or RTDS.
• Experience developing learning/control algorithms for power electronics or grid systems.
• Hands-on lab testing and validation of electrical energy systems.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications and technical presentations.
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent R&D in advanced grid architectures and power electronics.
• Develop solutions for grid-forming converters, microgrids, and control techs.
• Model, simulate, and analyze electric power systems using standard tools.
• Design, implement, and validate learning/control strategies for converters and grid systems.
• Develop embedded control algorithms for laboratory validation hardware.
• Support hardware/HIL system design, integration, and testing.
• Lead or contribute to multidisciplinary DOE-sponsored projects.
• Prepare technical reports, publications, and sponsor-facing presentations.
• Foster collaborations with ORNL researchers and external partners.

Skills

Power electronics

Grid integration

Modeling simulation

Control algorithms

Hardware testing

Research leadership

Publications

Education

Ph.D. in EE

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

PSCAD

PLECS

OPAL-RT

RTDS

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Research Professional 2 who will focus on innovative research on advanced electric power systems, grid architectures, and power electronic technologies that enable the modernization and resilience of future energy systems. This position resides in the Grid System Architecture Group, Electrical Systems Integration Section, Electrification and Energy Infrastructures Division, Energy Science and Technology Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Requisition Id 17134

The successful candidate will contribute to the development of next-generation grid architectures through research in power electronics, distributed energy resources (DERs), advanced control systems, grid-edge technologies, and system integration. The position requires independent technical leadership in multidisciplinary R&D projects involving modeling, simulation, hardware validation, and technology demonstration. The candidate will collaborate with researchers across ORNL and external partners from industry, utilities, universities, and federal agencies to develop innovative solutions that enhance the reliability, flexibility, resilience, and sustainability of future electric power systems.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research and development in advanced grid architectures, power electronic systems, and distributed energy resource integration.
• Develop innovative solutions for power electronics, grid-forming converters, microgrids, and advanced grid control technologies.
• Perform modeling, simulation, and system-level analysis of electric power systems using industry-standard software tools.
• Design, implement, and experimentally validate advanced learning and control strategies for power electronic converters and grid-interactive systems.
• Develop embedded control algorithms using DSP, FPGA, or microcontroller platforms as needed for laboratory validation.
• Support the design, integration, testing, and demonstration of advanced hardware and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) systems.
• Identify emerging research opportunities in grid modernization, electrification, resilient energy systems, and advanced power conversion technologies.
• Lead or support technical tasks within multidisciplinary research projects funded by DOE and other sponsors.
• Prepare technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, conference papers, and presentations for sponsors and the scientific community.
• Contribute to the preparation of competitive research proposals and help expand the Grid System Architecture Group's sponsored research portfolio.
• Develop collaborations with researchers across ORNL as well as with universities, utilities, industry, and government agencies.
• Mentor postdoctoral researchers, students, interns, and visiting researchers as appropriate.
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications

• 2 years of relevant research or engineering experience following completion of the Ph.D.
• Demonstrated expertise in power electronics, electric power systems, or grid integration technologies.
• Experience in modeling and simulation of power electronic or electric power systems using tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, PSCAD, PLECS, OPAL-RT, RTDS, or similar platforms.
• Experience developing advanced learning and control algorithms for power electronic converters or grid-interactive systems.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory testing and validation of electrical energy systems.
• Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications and successful technical presentations.
• Ability to independently conduct research while contributing effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with grid modernization, distributed energy resources, microgrids, virtual power plants, or grid-forming inverter technologies.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), digital real-time simulation, or cyber-physical energy systems.
• Experience with medium-voltage power electronics or utility-scale energy conversion systems.
• Experience with advanced optimization, energy management systems, artificial intelligence, or machine and reinforcement learning applications for power systems.
• Experience contributing to successful research proposals and sponsored R&D programs.
• Demonstrated ability to establish productive collaborations with government agencies, industry, and academia.
• Strong publication record in leading IEEE journals and conferences.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Special Requirements

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For Foreign National Candidates

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

About ORNL

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as onsite fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.