Postdoctoral Research Associate

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:

If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s):

Business Title:

Employee Type:

The Opportunity:

Postdoctoral candidate will lead and support a portfolio of funded research projects under the supervision of Dr. Wei Du, Assistant Professor, Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture (VCEA), School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS)/Energy Systems Innovation Center (ESIC) to develop high-fidelity grid-forming inverter models and high-voltage direct current (HVDC) models, and investigate their impact on the power system stability. Candidate will also develop robust control strategies for inverter-based resources, and conduct hardware experiments and hardware-in-the-loop testing to validate the control algorithms.

Research Component:

• Conduct research on modelling and analysis of electric power grid

• Study impacts of high-fidelity grid-forming inverter models and high-voltage direct current (HVCD) models on power system stability

• Contribute to the advances of power systems optimization and stability

• Lead collaborations with PNNL researchers and develop proposals to support new efforts in the aforementioned problem space

Student Supervision:

• Help supervise Ph.D. students: Create a research plan aligned with ongoing projects, timely follow-up on research progress, and assist in dissemination of the results

• Help prepare training and skill development plans for early Ph.D. students related to conceptual understanding, research methodology, and implementation details

• Hold weekly paper reading session with Ph.D. students and provide feedback

Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for Faculty and Total Compensation. For information or questions about Benefits, please contact HRS Benefits at 509-335-4521.

Annual Salary: $62,232 - $120,000 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications
In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. Successful candidates typically begin up to mid-point of the salary range.

This is a full time (100% FTE), temporary position. This position is overtime eligible.

Appointment Duration: This is a temporary position expected to start on August 20, 2026 and end on August 19, 2027. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, specializing in Power Engineering or related discipline;

• Experience conducting research on modelling and analysis of the power grid;

• Experience conducting research on high-fidelity inverter models and high-voltage direct current (HBCD) models on power system stability

Position Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for work visa sponsorship
About School - School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science & Energy Systems Innovation Center

College: Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture (VCEA)
Department Name: School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS)/Energy Systems Innovation Center (ESIC)
Location: Pullman, WA 99164
Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.
1) Resume/CV
2) Cover Letter
External candidates, upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application.

Current WSU Employees (internal candidates), before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday. Internal candidates, upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.
All candidates, documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.
Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.

Contact: For questions regarding this position or the application process, please contact Wei Du at [email protected] or 509-371-6609.

Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Union Representation: This position is represented exclusively by Postdocs United/United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Information regarding the Union and the CBA is available on the WSU Labor Relations website.

Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or [email protected].

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More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/