Post Masters RA - Energy Systems

Overview

The Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division of PNNL is accelerating the transition to a decarbonized, efficient, resilient, and secure energy system through basic and applied research. We leverage a strong technical foundation in power and energy systems and advanced data analytics to drive innovation, transform markets, and shape energy policy.

The Power System Modeling Group leverages capabilities in power systems engineering to develop and advance methods for modeling and simulating the transmission, distribution, and use of electric power. This group stewards capabilities in: Bulk Energy System Modeling, Grid Edge Modeling, and Power Markets.

Responsibilities

The Power System Modeling Group is seeking a Post Master's Assistant to support novel research to integrate landscape architecture principles and approaches into energy system design and deployment. This staff in this role will work on complex problems in national energy challenges, participate in skilled world-class teams, co-author technical papers and participate externally in technical environments, and optimize solutions in interdisciplinary domains.

Key areas of work will include but are not limited to: 

• Advancing disciplinary approaches from landscape architecture into deployment pathways for energy deployment at landscape and national scales

• Identifying and bridging cross-disciplinary knowledge gaps, especially with regard to landscape architecture practitioners to energy system research

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must have received a Master's degree within the past 24 months or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in landscape architecture or related field

• Excellent writing and communication skills 

• Demonstrated research experience and publication authorship

• Familiarity with energy systems and technologies beyond the built environment (e. g. building-applied), including but not limited to the electric grid, power systems, and renewable energy projects

• Familiarity with water management systems as they relate to ecological functions and landscape architecture principles

• Skilled in creating unique visual products to illustrate ideas and concepts

• Demonstrated ability to work independently on novel ideas as well as in collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams

• Comfort in national and international technical forums and communities

• Keen interest in research solutions for energy futures and for integrating technology with ecological, industrial and human-scale processes and benefits

Reference Reading:

• White Paper 'Renewable Energy Landscapes: Designing Place-Based Infrastructure for Scale' July 2022 and

• Workshop Report 'Renewable Energy Landscapes Southwest and Pacific Northwest Workshops' June 2023

• / pnnl. gov/projects/renewable-energy-landscapes

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not applicable.

Additional Information

Not applicable.

Testing Designated Position

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U. S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State-the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab's campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl. gov .

Drug Free Workplace

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.

HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473. 1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

Mandatory Requirements

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a 'country of risk' without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive ap.