Postdoctoral Researcher: Bulk Grid Monitoring and Dynamic Security Assessment

Postdoctoral Researcher: Bulk Grid Monitoring and Dynamic Security Assessment Location: CO - Golden Position Type: Postdoc (Fixed Term) Hours per Week: 40 Job Description The Grid Automation and Control (GAC) Group of the Power Systems and Engineering Center (PSEC) at the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) is seeking a recent Ph.D. graduate to develop measurement‑based modeling and stability analysis for modern power grids. The research focuses on extracting system dynamics from high‑resolution measurement data, including phasor measurement units (PMU) and point‑on‑wave (POW), to improve situational awareness, model validation, and dynamic stability assessment in grids with high penetration of inverter‑based resources. Outcomes will support data‑driven modeling techniques, real‑time stability monitoring tools, and digital twin platforms for future power systems. Job Duties and Responsibilities Develop measurement-based modeling techniques for power systems, using PMU and other high‑resolution measurements to identify dynamic parameters for black‑box models. Conduct measurement-based dynamic stability assessments, including fault detection, real‑time inertia estimation, oscillation detection and analysis, and system strength evaluation. Develop software tools and algorithms for measurement‑based stability monitoring and dynamic model calibration that can be deployed in future control room environments. Contribute to the development of measurement-informed digital twins for power system analysis and operational decision support. Maintain and enhance existing NLR platforms and tools used for testing innovative research ideas. Prepare and present results in the form of technical reports and presentations. Write and publish research findings in peer‑reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and technical reports. Basic Qualifications Must be a recent Ph.D. graduate within the last three years. Additional Required Qualifications Relevant Ph.D. or Ph.D. candidate in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields. Experience working with PMU data or other grid measurement data. Advanced modeling expertise in various power systems modeling. Experience with computer programming or software development; Python is preferred. Strong analytical and communication skills. Preferred Qualifications Strong background in power system modeling, simulation, and dynamic analysis. Knowledge of system identification, signal processing, or dynamic parameter estimation techniques. Experience with wide-area measurement systems (WAMS) and high‑resolution grid measurement data. Experience in one or more of oscillation detection and analysis, inertia estimation, dynamic model validation, or real‑time monitoring. Experience handling large‑scale operational datasets (SCADA, WAMS, PMU). Desired. Familiarity with machine learning, data analytics, or data‑driven modeling approaches applied to power systems. Software development experience in Python, GAMS, C++, or other languages. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Benefits Summary Health, dental, and vision insurance; short‑term disability insurance; pension benefits; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; paid holidays. Certain positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement upon eligibility review. Legal and Safety Requirements All employees must obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD‑12). NLR is a drug‑free workplace and requires a pre‑employment drug test (including marijuana in compliance with state and federal law) for all new hires. Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local laws. Reasonable Accommodations Requests for reasonable accommodations during the application and employment process will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis. Individuals who need assistance completing the application process can contact the NLR Human Resources Office for support. #J-18808-Ljbffr National Laboratory of the Rockies