Computer Research Scientist

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab's (LBNL) Energy Storage & Distributed Resources Division has an opening for a Computer Research Scientist to join the team.

In this exciting role, you will conduct research and development of optimization-based planning methodologies for power grids. These methodologies will be used to enhance the LBNL portfolio of models and tools in the area of grid planning, supported by the DOE - Office of Electricity.

Included in the Grid Integration Group of the Energy Storage and Distributed resource division, the Grid Planning and Economics team develops models and software solutions to support decisions around power systems planning, economics as well as electricity markets and policy.

Examples of successful models developed by the Grid Planning and Economics team include:

• The Security-constrained AC OPF algorithm, which received a top performer prize in Challenge 2 of the ARPA-e Grid Optimization Competition.
• The resilient distribution expansion model, developed in partnership with the industry, which was recently made available as a prototype tool.
• Different models for microgrid planning, covering different design aspects, such as distribution grid or multi-energy representations, included LBNL's DER-CAM tool.

The Career-Track Research Scientist is expected to play a key role in achieving the goals of the Grid Integration Group by contributing to achieving the following objectives:

1. Advance the knowledge in power systems optimization applied to power grid planning.
2. Research projects and tasks in partnership with distribution utilities.
3. Develop, test new optimization techniques and approaches, to support grid planning.
4. Collaborate with the team and lead support staff in the development of robust, accurate, and scalable optimization software solutions that can be transformed into grid planning tools.
5. Contributes to the conceptualization, development and writing of successful proposals for advancing the global knowledge and understanding of various aspects of power system economics.

The position requires excellent ability to think innovatively and independently, and contribute to explore, accomplish, test and demonstrate advancements in power system planning and economics, while also being mindful of real-world implementation of grid planning methodologies and understanding their policy and regulatory contexts.

What You Will Do:

• Develop, test, and implement optimization models applied to power system planning and economics.
• Manage high-impact R&D projects, in partnership with utilities, in the field of advanced grid modeling and power systems optimization.
• Implement and review model formulations and software code.
• Analyze different contexts of power grid planning/operation and develop consistent research plans, including adequate optimization model requirements, formulation, and software architecture solutions for the implementation.
• Contribute to the dissemination of the Group's scientific and engineering advances through publications in peer-reviewed journals and other relevant technical media, presentations at conferences and via webinars, and through development and participation in training programs.
• Perform the detailed analysis of data from these tests or simulations and their dissemination and publication.
• Learn and keep-up with advances in technology, theory, and software relevant planning and operation of power grids.
• Interface with internal collaborators, research and technical staff, leadership, and administrative staff of the Energy Technologies Area, and funding sponsors.
• Assist in identifying new funding opportunities aligned with the strategic interests of the Grid Integration Group and prepare proposals in response.
• Lead, and mentor postdoctoral fellows, technical staff, graduate students and other group members as necessary.
• Attend group meetings, and present status reports and scientific findings at group meetings, conferences, and workshops.
• Keep an accurate and detailed record of laboratory and analytical work.

What is Required:

• Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, Operations Research or related field.
• Demonstrated experience in power systems modeling, both in simulation and optimization environment.
• Demonstrated experience in developing/demonstrating grid planning tools in collaboration with the industry.
• A good understanding of the power systems' economic contexts, including distribution operator decision-making processes in different regulatory environments.
• Demonstrated experience designing high performance optimization algorithms and implementations
• Solid background in operations research applied to power systems.
• Solid experience developing optimization models in Python and/or Julia.
• Familiarity with all three relevant fields of power engineering science: (1) optimal power flow, (2) grid planning and design; (3) power systems economics.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct and perform collaborative research and effectively interact with a broad range of colleagues with tact and diplomacy.
• Demonstrated ability to independently carry out creative research with a proven record of publications and achievement.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to troubleshoot experimental processes and/or simulations, and provide analysis and offer solutions.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and record-keeping skills.
• Demonstrated ability to accurately and eloquently represent and promote scientific projects to audiences of diverse technical backgrounds.
• Highly effective interpersonal skills, with experience in establishing effective collaborations and interacting with members of the scientific and electrical power-related institutional agencies, and funding research sponsor communities.
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and writing, with demonstrated experience preparing funding proposals, writing technical reports, making presentations, interacting with internal and external clients.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritize competing deadlines.

Desired Qualifications:

• Postdoctoral experience.
• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, Operations Research or related field.
• Experience leading R&D projects in the area of grid planning and/or power system economics.
• Experience developing and implementing power system models.

Please apply by May 2, 2025 with the following application materials:

• Curriculum Vitae.
• Publication list
• Names and contact information for at least three individuals who can write letters of reference

Notes:

• This is a full time, 1 year, career-track term appointment that may be renewed to a maximum of five years and that may be converted to career based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.
• This full salary range of this position is between $92,701 to $222,474 per year and is expected to pay between a targeted range of $140,904 to $155,736 per year depending upon candidates' full skills, knowledge, and abilities, including education, certifications, and years of experience.
• This position is 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.
• This position is eligible for a flexible work mode, with onsite or hybrid work being the preferred modes. Hybrid work is a combination of teleworking and performing work on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab. Work schedules are dependent on business needs.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer