Student Internship - Interregional Import Modeling for Energy Assessment Studies

ISO New England Inc.; Holyoke (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

ISO New England Inc. invites a PhD intern to work on interregional electricity import modeling and energy adequacy assessment. You will build analytical tools to forecast cross-border imports, linking LOLH and reserve margins to regional planning questions.

Ideal candidates are pursuing a PhD in related fields with experience in optimization and power systems. This internship focuses on practical, data-driven methods to inform grid planning for New England’s 14+ million residents.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a PhD in operations research, power system engineering, or a related field.
• Familiarity with power system optimization, reliability modeling, or resource adequacy concepts.
• Experience with at least one analytical tool such as MATLAB, Python, or GAMS.
• Strong analytical skills, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to communicate technical findings clearly.

Responsibilities

• Develop an analytical framework to forecast cross-border electricity import flows between New England and neighboring control areas.
• Apply operations research and power system engineering methods to assess resource adequacy and energy reliability.
• Contribute to long-term energy assessment models and present findings clearly to stakeholders.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Education

PhD in operations research or power system engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

GAMS

Job description

Internship Title – Interregional Import Modeling for Energy Assessment Studies

Department – Advanced Technology Solutions

Minimum Education level: PhD

Preferred Majors: Power System Engineering or Operations Research

Help power New England’s clean-energy future. Join ISO New England for a hands-on PhD internship exploring how electricity imports from neighboring regions can support energy adequacy, reliability, and smarter long-term grid planning for more than 14 million people.

Who We Are

ISO New England is one of the most pivotal energy companies you’ve probably never heard of. Our job is to oversee the 24/7 operation of the power grid that covers the six-states of New England and to administer the region’s $10+ billion “stock exchange” for buying and selling of wholesale electricity. Our work ensures that over 14 million people can reliably turn their lights on and complete their jobs, take care of their families, and live in comfort with convenience.

Department Description

The Advanced Technology Solutions (ATS) department engages in both long-term research projects and near-term design/process improvements. The department consists of experts in three topic areas: power systems, simulations, and markets. In all projects, the goal of the department is to provide innovative and practical solutions to current and emerging questions for ISO New England.

What You’ll be Working On

This internship will focus on developing an analytical framework to better understand and forecast cross-border electricity import flows between New England and neighboring control areas. You’ll explore how key resource adequacy metrics, including Loss-of-Load Hours (LOLH) and reserve margins, can be linked to interregional import behavior to advance energy adequacy assessment methods.

You’ll gain hands‑on experience with real‑world power system modeling, resource adequacy analysis, and emerging reliability questions in the ISO context. This is an opportunity to apply operations research and power system engineering skills to a practical challenge that matters for the future of the regional grid.

How You’ll Make an Impact

Your work will help ISO New England evaluate how interregional imports can be represented in long‑term energy assessment frameworks. As the power system evolves through electrification, clean energy integration, and changing demand patterns, better import modeling can support more informed planning decisions and help strengthen regional reliability.

What We Look for in a Candidate

• Currently pursuing a PhD in operations research, power system engineering, or a related field.
• Familiarity with power system optimization, reliability modeling, or resource adequacy concepts.
• Experience with at least one analytical tool such as MATLAB, Python, or GAMS.
• Strong analytical skills, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to communicate technical findings clearly.

This employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position (ex: H-1B, F-1/CPT/OPT, O-1, E-3, TN, J, etc.).