Postdoctoral Researcher at UC San Diego, USA

The Center for Energy Research, University of California San Diego, is seeking one highly qualified researcher to join the center as postdoctoral scholar starting Fall 2017. The 12-month position is part of Department of Energy (DOE) and California Energy Commission (CEC) funded projects to facilitate solar energy grid integration through solar energy forecasting and power grid modeling, and optimization. The goal is to reduce integration costs of high penetration of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems into the electric grid. 13 PhD students and one postdoc presently conduct their research in the lab. The postdoctoral scholar will have access to unique solar resource databases and observatories, a solar resource network at UC San Diego, validated OpenDSS models of 15 real distribution feeders, and forecast data from sky imager deployments around the country. Responsibilities:The successful candidate will work with colleagues at NREL, Sandia National Lab, utilities, and industry on joint projects and present at national and international conferences such as IEEE Power Engineering Society and North American Power Symposium. The postdoctoral scholar will also have the opportunity to participate in writing research proposals to the funding agencies such as CEC and DOE, serve as the principal advisor to the PhD students, and to co-author their conference and journal papers. Collaborative opportunities exist with the School of Global Policy and Strategy (Dr. David Victor), and the research groups of Profs. Carlos Coimbra, Sonia Martinez and Raymond de-Callafon.Required Skills:Applicants should hold a PhD degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. electrical or mechanical engineering) that was conferred no more than 4 years ago or have submitted their thesis at the time of appointment. Solid knowledge of power systems analysis and optimization as well as strong programming and data analysis skills are required. Perfect written and oral communication skills are necessary.Preferred Skills:Research experience on one or several of the following would be beneficial:

• frequency control and voltage regulation
• reliability theory and its application in power systems
• planning and optimal operation of microgrids with electric vehicles, energy storage systems and demand response
• market participation of renewable energy resources
• distribution system state estimation