Postdoctoral Appointee - Power System Optimization R&D

Company: Sandia National Laboratories
Location: Albuquerque
Posted on: September 18, 2023

Job Description:

About Sandia
Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:
Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
Extraordinary co-workers
Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
Generous vacations, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance
World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at:
These benefits vary by job classification.
What Your Job Will Be Like
The Electric Power Systems Research group at Sandia National Laboratories is seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee in Power System Research with a strong background in optimization. In this position, you will focus on making technical contributions and leading projects in the area of electric grid optimization problems related to power system planning and operations, grid resilience, decarbonization, and electricity markets.
Projects will include developing optimization models focused on solving multi-disciplinary complex problems related to the electric grid. You will use power systems data and have the ability to program and create power systems tools for electric utilities and electric grid decision makers. The position will include partnering/interacting with multiple external organizations, working in a team environment, and publishing peer reviewed conference and journal articles.
On any given day, you may be called on to:
Demonstrate technical knowledge with a focus on power system optimization
Demonstrate creativity and ingenuity to provide software and analytical solutions
Work with colleagues and external collaborators to develop innovative solutions to emerging challenges facing the power industry
Publish research outcomes in peer-reviewed journals, conferences, etc
Present research findings to sponsors and externally to professional communities, e.g., IEEE, CIGRE, industry workshops, etc.
Due to the nature of the work, the selected candidate must be able to work onsite at the Sandia Albuquerque location.
Qualifications We Require
Ph.D. in electrical engineering, computer science, mathematics, or related science and engineering fields
Expertise in optimization applied to power systems
A proven track record of peer reviewed publications related to power systems and/or optimization
Qualifications We Desire
Technical knowledge in power system simulation and analysis
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Strong programming ability and analytical skills, including proficiency with Python and MATLAB.
Experience developing optimization models and improving model scalability
Experience processing and analyzing real power systems data.
Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision and ability to work in a team environment
About Our Team
Sandia National Laboratories is a U.S. research laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and supports numerous federal, state, and local government agencies, companies, and organizations. For more than 70 years, Sandia has delivered essential science and technology to resolve the nation's most challenging issues.
The Electric Power Systems Research Department is focused on novel R&D to enable the modernization of the nation's electric power grid. This work includes power system dynamics; grid stability; power system planning and operations; power system protection; threat modeling; grid resilience metrics and modeling; power systems controls and optimization techniques, and artificial intelligence and data analytics applied to the electric grid. The department is highly inter-disciplinary working closely with many departments across Sandia, while simultaneously working collaboratively with universities, utilities, government agencies, and other national research organizations.
Sandia offers an extremely competitive salary, 401k, healthcare, and overall benefits package. Sandia is consistently named a Forbes 500 Best Large Employers and is dedicated to cultivating valued professional and lifestyle opportunities that support a dynamic workforce focused on excellence and innovation.
Posting Duration
This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.
Security Clearance
This position does not currently require a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance.
Sandia will conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Furthermore, employees in New Mexico need to pass a U.S. Air Force background screen for access to Kirtland Air Force Base. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause access to be denied or terminated, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.
If hired without a clearance and it subsequently becomes necessary to obtain and maintain one for the position, or you bid on positions that require a clearance, a pre-processing background review may be conducted prior to a required federal background investigation. Applicants for a DOE security clearance need to be U.S. citizens. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.
Members of the workforce (MOWs) hired at Sandia who require uncleared access for greater than 179 days during their employment, are required to go through the Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) process. Access includes physical and/or cyber (logical) access, as well as remote access to any NNSA information technology (IT) systems. UPIV requirements are not applicable to individuals who require a DOE personnel security clearance for the performance of their SNL employment or to foreign nationals. The UPIV process will include the completion of a USAccess Enrollment, SF-85 (Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions) and OF-306 (Declaration of for Federal Employment). An unfavorable UPIV determination will result in immediate retrieval of the SNL issued badge, removal of cyber (logical) access and/or removal from SNL subcontract. All MOWs may appeal the unfavorable UPIV determination to DOE/NNSA immediately. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the MOW may try to go through the UPIV process one year after the decision date.
EEO
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.
NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs
If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.
If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.
Position Information
This postdoctoral position is a temporary position for up to one year, which may be renewed at Sandia's discretion up to five additional years. The PhD must have been conferred within five years prior to employment.
Individuals in postdoctoral positions may bid on regular Sandia positions as internal candidates, and in some cases may be converted to regular career positions during their term if warranted by ongoing operational needs, continuing availability of funds, and satisfactory job performance.

Keywords: Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque , Postdoctoral Appointee - Power System Optimization R&D, Other , Albuquerque, New Mexico