Postdoctoral Appointee – Power Systems Modeling and Control

The Advanced Grid Modeling group at Argonne National Laboratory's Center for Energy, Environmental, and Economic Systems Analysis (CEEESA) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher for projects related to the integration of microgrids, distributed energy resources (DERs), and advanced transmission & distribution (T&D) coordination. This role is ideal for a researcher passionate about future grid challenges, including widespread integration of DERs. The selected candidate will model, analyze, and control electric distribution and transmission systems, applying state-of-the-art algorithms to develop cybersecurity, optimization, and control solutions for real-world grid applications.

Candidates will be required to work in at least 4 of the following areas:

Build, simulate, and evaluate distribution networks in OpenDSS; investigate feeder- and system-level impacts of DERs (e.g., load flow, hosting capacity, voltage regulation). Develop and refine T&D co-simulation platforms (e.g., Argonne’s TDCosim) for integrated analysis of microgrids, DERs, and utility-scale systems; implement methods to synchronize transmission-focused simulators with distribution-level tools. Demonstrate familiarity with DMS and DERMS functionalities and architectures; evaluate and enhance operational schemes under high DER penetration. Model microgrids in distribution networks including dynamic and steady-state representations for real-time analysis; investigate aggregator-driven DER coordination strategies for day-ahead scheduling and real-time operations under various market or reliability signals. Develop advanced optimization, control, or machine learning strategies for distribution systems; validate these strategies using hardware-in-the-loop or real-time grid simulators. Develop optimization models that combine T&D objectives (e.g., power flow limits, resilience) with aggregator/market participation; evaluate how microgrids and VPPs can offer services while ensuring reliable local operation. Work with T&D software (e.g., OpenDSS, PSS/E) to gather data, run simulations, and assess grid-wide impacts.

Additionally, candidates will:

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative solutions and technologies for complex challenges in energy systems and power grid domains.

• Present research findings through seminars, journal articles, technical reports, and at conferences and workshops.

• Contribute to open-source software development initiatives for Department of Energy projects.

Position Requirements

• Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (typically completed within the last 0-5 years in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Operations Research, or a closely related field.

• Experience in power systems, distribution systems, or microgrid modeling, with a solid understanding of advanced co-simulation or real-time simulation methods.

• Demonstrated expertise in control/optimization and/or cybersecurity measures for power systems, machine learning applications in energy, and a comprehensive understanding of power distribution systems.

• Working knowledge of electric power distribution systems, DER operations, and grid modeling & simulation.

• Working knowledge of Git.

• Proficiency in Python and OpenDSS.

• Proficiency in frameworks like Pyomo and/or TensorFlow/Pytorch/Keras

• Solid foundation in mathematics/statistics, with experience in cyber-physical systems modeling.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

• Demonstrated experience in interdisciplinary research and problem-solving.

• Skilled in oral and written communication at all levels of the organization.

• A record of publications in peer-reviewed journals and familiarity with proposal development.

• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.

• Ability to make our laboratory a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and accessible environment where all can thrive.

• This position requires an on-site presence at the Argonne campus in Lemont, Illinois.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with power transmission and distribution system simulation tools such as MATPOWER, PSS/E, CYME, or GridLAB-D.

• Experience working with DMS and DERMS platforms, and utility communication protocols like DNP3.

• Knowledge of transmission-distribution co-simulation and co-optimization frameworks.

• Familiarity with aggregator-based DER coordination, microgrid controls, or distributed optimization methods.

Interested candidates should