Research Professor and Assistant Director, Center for Microgrid Research

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition remission

Retirement contribution

Medical, dental, and vision

Disability, life, and AD&D

Parental leave

Job summary

The University of St. Thomas invites applications for a full-time Research Professor (limited term, non-tenure track) in Power Systems Engineering at the Center for Microgrid Research (CMR) to begin Summer 2026.

The faculty member will also serve as Assistant Director of the Center. Candidates should have a broad background in power systems with interests in power system controls, protection, optimization, and AI/ML applications in power and energy systems, and experience with experiments and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. (U.S. or foreign equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, Renewable Energy, or a related field.
• At least two years of experience in power systems (transmission or distributed levels), microgrids, power electronics, or AI/ML applications in power systems.
• Proven record of research publications with at least five peer‑reviewed publications.

Responsibilities

• Lead externally funded research in power systems, microgrids, distributed energy resources, and control systems.
• Contribute to proposal writing and development of new externally funded research initiatives.
• Mentor postdoctoral scholars, engineers, graduate research assistants, and undergraduate students.
• Oversee laboratory activities and ensure safety, efficiency, and innovation in research operations.
• Publish research results in high‑impact journals and conferences.

Skills

Power systems

AI/ML in power systems

Hardware-in-the-loop

Education

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or related field

Job description

Overview

The College of Engineering at the University of St. Thomas invites applications for a full-time, Research Professor (limited term, non‑tenure track) in the area of Power Systems Engineering at the Center for Microgrid Research (CMR) to begin Summer of 2026. The faculty member will also serve as the Assistant Director of the Center for Microgrid Research. Candidates should have a broad background in power systems, with a special interest in power system controls, protection, optimization, and AI/ML applications in power and energy systems, and experience with experiments and hardware‑in‑the‑loop is highly desired.

This is a full‑time, non‑tenure track position that can be renewed for up to five years. Successful candidates will contribute to the ongoing projects and growth initiatives at CMR, may teach graduate or undergraduate courses in collaboration with the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, and support the College of Engineering’s educational mission.

The Research Professor and Assistant Director will play a key leadership role in advancing the Center’s mission through applied research, strategic partnerships, and funded program development. The position will work closely with the Center’s Director and collaborate with faculty, industry partners, and students to lead high‑impact projects in microgrids, distributed energy systems, and grid modernization.

The successful candidate will help define and execute the Center’s research agenda, oversee sponsored research and lab operations, and contribute to the professional development of graduate and undergraduate researchers.

This position is grant‑funded and is a benefits‑eligible term appointment. The appointment is renewable for up to five years, depending on performance, departmental needs, and availability of funds.

Position Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to externally funded research in power systems, microgrids, distributed energy resources, and control systems.
• Contribute to proposal writing and development of new externally funded research initiatives.
• Manage multidisciplinary project teams and coordinate with industry, government, and academic collaborators.
• Mentor postdoctoral scholars, engineers, graduate research assistants, and undergraduate students.
• Support the Center’s Director in strategic planning, partnership development, and program administration.
• Publish research results in high‑impact journals and conferences.
• Represent the Center at professional meetings, technical conferences, and industry events.
• Oversee laboratory activities and ensure safety, efficiency, and innovation in research operations.
• Contribute to the success of the Center, Department, and College of Engineering.

Salary & Benefits

• Tuition remission benefits for employees, spouses, and dependents upon eligibility.
• A generous employer retirement contribution upon eligibility.
• Medical, dental, and vision options.
• Employer‑paid disability, life, and AD&D benefits.
• Paid parental leave benefits.

Salary Range: $80,000 to $100,000

The University of St. Thomas has provided a salary range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The specific salary offered will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. (U.S. or foreign equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, Renewable Energy, or a related field.
• At least two years of experience in power systems (transmission or distributed levels), microgrids, power electronics, or AI/ML applications in power systems.
• Proven record of research publications with at least five peer‑reviewed publications.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The University of St. Thomas embraces belonging and equal opportunity for all. The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or other protected characteristic. This commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity is consistent with the University's mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good. A successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals of this mission.