What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Appointee - Researcher position at UChicago Argonne, LLC?
The Advanced Grid Modeling group at Argonne National Laboratory's Center for Energy, Environmental, and Economic Systems Analysis is seeking a dedicated Postdoctoral Researcher. This role is ideal for someone passionate about advancing the integration of inverter-based resources into the power grid. The selected candidate will be involved in developing power electronics and hardware in the loop simulation laboratory as well as supporting ongoing DOE projects.
Candidates will be required to work in at least 4 of the following areas:
Develop a functioning test bed using Opal-RT PHIL real-time platform, AC and DC power sources, power electronic converter modules, battery energy storage system, and AC/DC loads.
Develop MATLAB/Simulink models for distribution and transmission systems that include inverter-based resources for performing real-time simulations in Opal-RT.
Develop and prototype advanced control algorithms for grid forming and grid following inverters.
Develop and demonstrate communication interfaces between Opal-RT, edge computing devices, OEM inverter using protocols like UDP, CAN, DNP3 etc.
Aid with project management activities for DOE projects and developing safe operating procedures for hardware experiments.
Additionally, candidates will:
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative solutions and technologies for complex challenges in energy systems and power grid domains.
Present research findings through seminars, journal articles, technical reports, and at conferences and workshops.
Contribute to open-source software development initiatives for Department of Energy projects.
Position Requirements
Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (typically completed within the last 0-5 years) in Electrical Engineering.
Onsite presence is required.
Solid foundation in electric power distribution systems, power electronics hardware, and inverter control systems.
Knowledge of EMT and phasor domain simulation using MATLAB/Simulink.
Familiarity with using Opal-RT or similar real-time simulation platforms.
Knowledge with designing, modeling, or hardware prototyping of power electronic converters.
Proficiency in Python and/or C.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Demonstrated experience in interdisciplinary research.
Proven problem-solving and analytical skills.
Skilled communication skills, both oral and written at all levels the organization.
Record of publications in journals and conferences.
Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.
Ability to make our laboratory a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and accessible environment where all can thrive.
Additional Preferred Qualifications:
Working knowledge of power system protection and control.
Familiarity with Machine Learning.
Familiarity with power system analysis software such as MATPOWER, PSS/E, OpenDSS or similar.
Interested candidates should submit:
A detailed CV
A cover letter describing your research experience and interests.
GitHub profile (if available)
Job Family
Postdoctoral FamilyJob Profile
Postdoctoral AppointeeWorker Type
Long-Term (Fixed Term)Time Type
Full timeAs an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. In support of this commitment, Argonne encourages minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment. Argonne considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.
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