Sr. Research Scientist

Job Summary:

The Sr. Research Scientist works as a member of the Center leadership team to lead and perform complex or leading edge research, and will be responsible for the Power Electronics Applications Laboratory (PEAL) and the Center’s research collaboration with the power electronics industry by leveraging the capabilities of PEAL. The Scientist is responsible for overseeing the operation of PEAL, including lab safety and supervision of lab users. Additionally, the Scientist will work with Center leadership to develop research collaborations with the power electronics industry. The position involves working directly with industrial partners to assist them with the development and implementation of testing and characterization of different aspects of power electronics, including wide bandgap power semiconductors, power converter static and dynamic behavior, component characterization, and the development of simulation models and analytical tools.

Who we are:

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Doctorate (Ph.D., J.D., Ed.D., or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering or a related field
• Five (5) or more years of experience in power electronics, preferably in industry, including:
  • Developing and executing R&D projects with industry partners.
  • Demonstrated expertise and practical experience in one or more of the following areas:
    • Power electronics hardware across a broad range of power and switching frequencies
    • Wide bandgap power devices and emerging applications
    • Hands-on experience with power electronics characterization methods, procedures, and tools
    • Programming for basic analysis in Python, MATLAB, or equivalent tools, along with project management and reporting
    • Laboratory safety procedures

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to apply mastery and broad understanding in areas of expertise to practical scientific or technical projects
• Excellent analytical, technical, reasoning and innovative problem solving skills
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively to changing situations
• Ability to balance conflicting priorities
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively and courteously with internal and external constituents
• Knowledge of appropriate field specific systems, equipment and techniques of collecting & recording data
• Ability to analyze and interpret technical data
• Ability to communicate technical data in a clear, concise manner
• Knowledge of and ability to pay strict attention to research protocol
• Ability to remain calm and composed when dealing with difficult situations or people

Representative Job Duties:

• Lead research team in the formulation of research direction, conception of research ideas and execution of research projects in areas of expertise, emphasizing collaboration with industry.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for new research proposals in areas of expertise. Develop research proposals independently or in cooperation with other Center researchers.
• Direct the daily operation of CFES Power Electronics Applications Laboratory (PEAL) in compliance with accepted laboratory standards, safety regulations, and other applicable requirements.
• Supervise, educate, train and manage users including students, researchers, faculty and industry personnel on proper use of PEAL. Authorize use of equipment and coordinate access by users.
• Maintain and support PEAL spaces and equipment, make recommendations on improvement and upgrade as appropriate.
• Lead and execute Center resea