Posting Title

Dynamic Modeling for Microgrids – Protection and Control

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Location

Remote

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Position Type

Postdoc (Fixed Term)

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Hours Per Week

40

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Working at NREL

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Job Description

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for research and development of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.

NREL is seeking to hire a Postdoctoral Researcher to support dynamic modeling of microgrids systems with detailed protection and controls, primarily in real-time simulation platforms such as RTDS, Opal-RT, Typhoon HIL, etc. These models will be developed to be conducive for controls prototyping as well as hardware-in-the-loop simulations.

The candidate will contribute to the development of detailed electromagnetic transient models of devices and systems for microgrids, field data-based validation techniques, development and implementation of protection and control algorithms in offline and real-time platforms for power system simulation. Responsibilities under this position include leading research work on modeling, validation, reporting, and publications.

Work will include:

• Design framework for data-driven validation of microgrid models with multiple data sources.
• Ability to travel to NREL at least once a quarter, and present research progress in-person to the project team.
• Write technical reports and contribute to project review meetings.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed conferences and high-impact scientific journals.

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Basic Qualifications
Must be a recent PhD graduate within the last three years.

* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required Qualifications

• Experience with dynamic modeling of real world microgrid power systems and handling/use of field data for validation.
• Distribution power system primary and secondary circuits, including three-phase and single-phase load modeling, using power system tools for dynamic simulations.
• Familiarity with state-of-the-art protection methodologies for distribution grids and microgrids.
• Understanding and application of reliability and resilience concepts within microgrids for real-time operation and controls.

• Experience with statistical data analysis for multi-fidelity data from various sources such as SCADA, PMUs, Smart Meters and use in power system model calibration and validation.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team, excellent engineering analytical and experimental skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities and independent-working attitude towards achieving research goals.
• Problem solving skills by design, testing, modeling, and validation using engineering software and tools for component and system development.
• Creativity, adaptability, motivation, independence, and excellent communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred experience: past history of working on DOE projects in collaboration with a National Lab

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Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)
Job Profile: Postdoctoral Researcher / Annual Salary Range: $71,300 - $117,600

NREL takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits Summary
Benefits include medical, 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; and paid holidays. NREL employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement.

* Based on eligibility rules

Submission Guidelines

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

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