Energy Systems Data Science Postdoctoral Researcher

The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is seeking a well-qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate in electrical engineering, power and energy systems, or comparable disciplines for the Energy and Water Systems Analysis group. This postdoctoral researcher will apply data science, machine learning, optimization, and reliability and risk analysis methods to hydropower, marine energy, and other power system assets, and will contribute to software and data tools that support decision making by the energy industry and research sponsors. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off.

Possible research activities include:

• Reliability analysis and risk assessment of marine energy technologies and preparation of resulting journal publications. 
• Machine learning-based prediction of dynamic loading on energy infrastructure under icing conditions, paired with reliability and risk evaluation; and development of an electricity price database and integration of price forecasting into optimization-based valuation tools. 
• The postdoctoral researcher may also support data science and analysis for hydropower technology commercialization and fish passage projects, assessment of non-powered dams, and a technical assistance project evaluating the techno-economic potential of hybridizing existing hydropower plants with complementary technologies such as energy storage.

The candidate is expected to be a strong asset to our interdisciplinary R&D team and work effectively both alone and as a team member. In addition to being able to efficiently execute work as directed by project managers and principal investigators, an excellent postdoctoral researcher will be creative, proactive, and adaptable. Bringing new perspectives will help our group propose innovative ideas, overcome barriers, and maximize the impact of our work. Additionally, demonstrating adaptability will enable the postdoctoral researcher to create impact in multiple research areas as funding and priorities change over time.

The position entails writing scientific manuscripts for journal publication, contributing to proposals for continued research funding, and presenting research results at conferences and sponsor meetings, so strong communication skills are required.

Required:

• PhD in electrical engineering, power and energy systems, industrial/systems engineering, mechanical engineering, data science, operations research, computer science, or other relevant disciplines.
• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years. 
• Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills in English.
• Proficiency in Python.
• Experience applying data analytics and machine learning to engineering or energy systems problems.
• Experience with at least one of the following: reliability analysis, risk assessment, or mathematical optimization.
   

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Experience with reliability engineering and quantitative risk assessment methods (e.g., probabilistic or structural reliability, uncertainty quantification, Monte Carlo simulation, fault tree or failure mode analysis).
• Experience formulating and solving optimization problems (e.g., linear, mixed-integer, or stochastic programming) using tools such as Pyomo, Gurobi, or similar.
• Experience in techno-economic analysis of energy projects, including hybrid systems that combine hydropower with energy storage or other generation. 
• Experience with hydropower, non-powered dams, fish passage, marine energy, offshore wind, or other energy-water issues
   

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee may be required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to handle materials, manipulate tools, keyboard, and type, reach with hands and arms, and operate job-related equipment. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

• The pay for this position is $105,144.00 Annually. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.