Berkeley Lab’s Energy Analysis and Environment Impacts (EAEI) Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow to develop advanced modeling, optimization and control approaches for a variety of applications in energy systems and transportation systems.
In this role, you will be responsible for modeling the planning and operation problems involving the networked electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructures, considering the constraints of both the electric grid and the transportation system. You will develop scalable numerical optimization algorithms to solve such optimization problems at large-scale, e.g. the SF Bay Area. Additionally, you will develop novel approaches that reduce computing time of the grid analysis under extreme events, e.g. wildfires, leveraging the existing work on N-K contingency analysis and cascading failure analysis. Lastly, you will help investigate the approaches that can improve the resilience of critical infrastructures, e.g. the placement of additional distributed generators or distributed energy resources in zones with higher hazard risks.
What You Will Do:
Develop scalable optimization algorithms for the coupled transportation and electric grid.
Develop models to evaluate the grid resilience in terms of 1) the emerging load by the transportation electrification, e.g. increasing penetration of EVs and the DC (extreme) fast charging technologies, 2) extreme natural or man-made events, e.g. wildfires.
Develop planning and operational models to enhance the grid resilience with respect to the extreme events, e.g. the de-energization, load-shedding and restoration strategies for wildfire events.
Publish research findings in highly-regarded journals and conferences.
Assist in the development of funding proposals.
Adhere with ETA and EHS safety requirements.
What is Required:
Recent Ph.D. in Engineering, Operations Research, Applied Math, or relevant fields.
Experience with numerical optimization algorithms, e.g. convex, mixed-integer programming, evolutionary algorithms, black-box optimization, etc.
Experience with control techniques that are applied to transportation systems and electric grid.
Experience with advanced grid modeling, grid optimization and resiliency-orientated planning and operation models, e.g. optimal AC power flow, N-k contingency analysis and cascading failure analysis, etc.
Strong communication skills both verbal and written.
Able to work both independently and as a team member.
What We Prefer:
Requested Application Materials:
The posting shall remain open until the position is filled, however for full consideration, please apply by close of business on April 16, 2020.
Notes:
This is a full time, M-F, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 1 year, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 4 years paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
Salary will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates.
This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.
Learn About Us:
Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 13 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.
Berkeley Lab’s Postdoc Program is committed to providing Postdoctoral Researchers and Visiting scholars with a positive and impactful experience to jump start their career through premium research and career development, networking opportunities, mentoring programs, and strong community. For more information, please visit our Berkeley Lab Postdoc Resources site and our Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association site.
Equal Employment Opportunity: Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. Berkeley Lab is in compliance with the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4. Click here to view the poster and supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law."
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups presently considering scientific research careers.
