Research Associate

Research Associate

Contributes to and conducts research or scholarship on assigned projects in the field of power electronics, electric drives, and controls for transportation electrification applications.

Implements research projects as specified in the project plan. Collects data in accordance with ethical and technical principles. Applies appropriate quantitative, statistical, and/or qualitative methods for analysis and interpretation of data. Writes peer reviewed papers and manuscripts for submission to professional and/or scientific journals or reports to the sponsoring agency and presents them at meetings and conferences. Writes research grant proposals and completes project administration. Collaborates with researchers, scholars and other stakeholders as relevant to the project. May contribute to applications for external funding as a co-principal investigator. May present at professional conferences and meetings in the relevant field. May have lead responsibility for discrete components of a larger project under the general direction of a senior or principal investigator. Leads the system design, optimization, and integration activities of the project under the supervision of the principal investigator. Mentors graduate students.

Doctoral or terminal degree in electrical engineering with a power electronics emphasis from an accredited institution or ABD with a graduation date of October 15, 2026. Some relevant experience. Knowledge of the research or scholarship process, data collection, analytical and statistical methods. Clinical, laboratory, training or field skills appropriate to the grant or contract. Demonstrated ability to conduct research or scholarship independently or in a team. Research experience in power electronic system design, development, fabrication, integration and control. Electromechanical energy conversion system control experience. Nonlinear control system experience. Grid connected energy conversion system experience. Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills. Proficient office software skills, including word-processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.

Research experience in power electronic system design, development, fabrication, integration and control. Ability to simulate power electronic systems using PSpice, MATLAB Simulink, PSCAD and/or PLECS. Ability to independently develop code on embedded platforms for power electronic systems. Hands-on experience with wide band-gap devices and/or high frequency magnetics.

In the cover letter submitted, discuss how your background aligns with the required and desired qualifications for this position. External applicants should use the WMU– Application. Internal applicants should use the WMU– Internal Application.

This is a terminal position that will end June 30 2027 with the possibility to renew until June 24, 2028. Grant funded position with a salary range of $57,178 – $60,000. Research Staff pay grades and rates are available at: Western Michigan University offers generous benefits to its employees including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement, and tuition discount for the employee and tuition remission for eligible dependents. To access information about the specific benefits available for this position, go to:

Office or other indoor work with minimal physical demands such as occasionally lifting/moving materials less than 25 pounds. Work is generally performed in a well lit, temperature-controlled indoor environment with occasional exposure to the outdoors and/or any number of elements. Works with high voltage systems in confined spaces such as electric vehicle chassis. Works in dynamometers that generate noise during testing. Works with test vehicles.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you have a doctoral or terminal degree in electrical engineering with a power electronics emphasis from an accredited institution or ABD with a graduation date of October 15, 2026?
   • Yes.
   • No.
2. * Do you have relevant electrical engineering experience?
   • Yes.
   • No.
3. * Do you have knowledge of the research or scholarship process, data collection, analytical and statistical methods?
   • Yes
   • No
4. * Do you have clinical, laboratory, training or field skills appropriate to the grant or contract?
   • Yes
   • No
5. * Have you demonstrated ability to conduct research or scholarship independently or in a team?
   • Yes
   • No
6. * Do you have strong interpersonal, written and verbal communications skills?
   • Yes
   • No
7. * Do you have proficient office software skills, including word-processing, spreadsheets, and presentations?
   • Yes
   • No
8. * Do you have research experience in power electronic system design, development, fabrication, integration and control?
   • Yes.
   • No.
9. * Do you have electromechanical energy conversion system control experience?
   • Yes.
   • No.
10. * Do you have nonlinear control system experience?
    • Yes.
    • No.
11. * Do you have grid connected energy conversion system experience?
    • Yes.
    • No.
12. * Do you have research experience in power electronic system design, development, fabrication, integration and control?
    • Yes.
    • No.
13. * Do you have the ability to simulate power electronic systems using PSpice, MATLAB Simulink, PSCAD and/or PLECS?
    • Yes.
    • No.
14. * Do you have the ability to independently develop code on embedded platforms for power electronic systems?
    • Yes.
    • No.
15. * Do you have hands-on experience with wide band-gap devices and/or high frequency magnetics?
    • Yes.
    • No.

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References

Optional Documents

1. Other