Posted 6 days ago

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Washington State University United States of America, ELECTRICAL/MECHANICAL ENGINEERING BLDG
Onsite Full Time

Job description

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on: August 19, 2026 If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details. Available Title(s): 306-YY_FACULTY - Postdoctoral Research Associate Business Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate

Employee Type

Faculty (+) (Fixed Term) Position Term: 12 Month Position Details: 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. Additional Information: 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 wei.du1@wsu.edu 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 hrs@wsu.edu. Notice of Non-Discrimination In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract. Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both. More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/ WSU is Washington's land-grant university with campuses located in Everett, Pullman, Spokane, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver. Additionally, research centers are located throughout the state, extension offices are located in every county in Washington, and online degree programs are offered worldwide. WSU employees promote academic excellence and innovative research that serves the state, nation, and world. With a focus on innovation, excellence, and accountability, continual enhancement of research and educational endeavors are at the core of WSU's strategic priorities. See here for additional information about WSU's statewide locations. View the HRS

Benefits

website for details on competitive benefits available. In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract. Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both. More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/