Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Job no: 549258
Position type: Research Fellows
Location: Sacramento
Division/Equivalent: Sacramento
School/Unit: Academic Affairs
Department/Office: College of E&CS
Categories: Excluded, Temporary, Time Varies, Research

Apply now

Working Title  Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Classification Title  Research Fellow

Position Details 

Research Fellow

 

Position Summary

The postdoctoral scholar will be part of a team of faculty members and student researchers who will have a unique opportunity to work on the modern power systems and power electronics lab in regards to applications of HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) and PHIL (Power-Hardware-in-the-Loop) in stability and new control techniques for advanced microgrid systems, Power System Protection, Cyber-Security, and Electric Vehicles.
 
The research work of the postdoctoral fellow will be on the focused on the following areas:
 
• Voltage Stability and Control of AC, DC, and Hybrid AC/DC Power Systems The demand for active and reactive power is constantly rising, leading to an increasing strain on power systems. Hence, power grids have the potential to operate in closer proximity to their stability limits when confronted with periods of high load demand. Specifically, they may approach the voltage stability boundary. Therefore, load demand plays a crucial role in the management and stability of the power system. The growing adoption of distributed renewable power generation could potentially lead to a partial reversal of this trend. This is because distributed renewable generators have the ability to meet local load demand while decreasing the amount of power transmitted through transmission corridors. Nevertheless, in times of high demand and limited distributed renewable power generation, power grids may operate in close proximity to their voltage stability margin. Consequently, it is crucial to closely monitor and manage the voltage stability and performance in order to ensure stable and secure operation of the power grid. To summarize, voltage stability in an electrical power system refers to its capacity to restore and sustain stable voltages at all busbars even after minor and major disturbances occur within the system. In the context of hybrid AC/DC power systems, it is essential for both AC and DC voltages to maintain stability in the event of contingencies.
 
• Frequency Stability and Control of Hybrid AC/DC Power Systems During Short and Long Terms In hybrid AC/DC power grids, frequency stability is regarded as a significant concern in terms of stability. This issue in conventional AC power grids relies on various factors such as system inertia, load dynamics, frequency regulation schemes, and frequency regulation reserve. In contrast to traditional AC grids that utilize AC transmission systems, hybrid AC/DC power grids do not exhibit natural interactions between interconnected regions in terms of power grid frequency. This is due to the control mechanisms employed by HVDC links, which effectively separate the electrical dynamics between each region. Consequently, if a frequency event takes place in one region, it will not have an impact on another interconnected region that is connected by the HVDC link due to factors such as inertia, frequency regulation characteristics (e.g., droop coefficient), and load dynamics of the interconnected region. Nevertheless, the frequency of each adjacent region may be influenced by the control actions executed by HVDC controllers.
 
Power Converter Associated Stability of Hybrid AC/DC Power Systems
   • Instability due to Weak Grid Conditions.
   • Converter Control Interactions.
   • Converter Control Induced Resonance.
The stability of the converter associated with power electronic converter interfaced sources and devices is a growing concern in the field. The stability issues related to converters are being caused by the VSC based HVDC transmission systems and the renewable energy sources connected to power electronic converters.
 
• Multi-objective Coordinated Control of Hybrid AC/DC Power Systems
   • Multi-objective control schemes based on conventional control loops.
   • Control schemes based on model predictive control (MPC).
Multi-objective control schemes are control strategies designed to maintain the stability of multiple network parameters, such as voltage and frequency. Additionally, these schemes have the capability to achieve various other objectives, including accurate power sharing, minimization of transmission loss, and damping of power oscillations. In order to accomplish various control objectives, converters engage in information exchange and function in a synchronized manner.
 
• E-Mobility In terms of e-mobility applications, the postdoctoral candidate assumes responsibility for various tasks including innovation, system architecture, research, design, development, validation, and implementation of technologies for fast charging systems. These technologies aim to ensure the secure and dependable functioning of high-efficiency DC fast charging bi-directional EV systems, thereby enabling V2X applications. Ultimately, this will contribute to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and the advancement of sustainable transportation.
 
Responsibilities
Essential Postdoctoral Scholar responsibilities may include:
   - Lead and complete nonlinear/linear stability analysis studies using advanced control methods.
   - Develop experimental test plans to collect data to validate modeling and analysis work.
   - Provide aid with the preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
   - Meet grant goals and deliverables by completing assigned research tasks and project reports.
   - Analyze data and prepare reports; develop recommendations based on results and verify the accuracy as well as validity of data.
   - Prepare and manage extensive databases.
   - Develop and implement research quality control procedures.
   - Supervise and lead student researchers (undergraduate and graduate).
   - Perform all other duties as assigned to support California Sacramento State University’s mission.
 
Briefly in this position, the candidate will create and optimize HIL models, research and development of advanced solutions for DC Fast Charging EV system to enable V2X applications, collect experimental data, publish findings, participate in grant writing, and perform other related duties as assigned.
 
The candidate will be responsible for the overall deliverables of research and development, testing, validation and lead the efforts of demonstration to Clean Energy, OEM’s, Tier-1’s and Charging Infrastructure companies.
 
Research Goal and Outcomes
   - Preparation and submission of three grant proposals. The funding source(s) will be explored and determined after consultation with the EEE chair and faculty researchers. A few of these sources are:
 
   • National Science Foundation (NSF)
   • Department of Energy (DOE)
   • California Energy Commission (CEC)
 
Links to a few more funding sources and their timings can be found here:
     o https://eecoordinator.info/funding-resources/
     o https://www.ef.org/ o https://www.energy.ca.gov/funding-opportunities/solicitations
     o https://eecoordinator.info/funding-resources/
     o https://svcleanenergy.org/solicitations/
 
   - Writing a minimum of three technical articles in reputable journals such as IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, IEEE Transactions on Power Delivers, and Elsevier. The appropriate journal will be determined after consultation with the EEE chair and faculty researchers.
 
   - Writing and presentation of a minimum of three conference papers in reputable venues such as IEEE. Some IEEE conferences are:
   • IEEE General Meeting https://pes-gm.org/
   • https://www.ieee-ecce.org/2023/
   • https://www.apec-conf.org/
   • http://tpec.engr.tamu.edu/
   • https://site.ieee.org/ias-icps/2024-conference/ 
 
The appropriate conference venue will be determined after consultation with the EEE chair and faculty researchers.

Term
The position is a 1-year appointment. Upon successful completion of the responsibilities and based on available funding, the position may be extended to two years. The responsibilities for the 2nd year will be re-evaluated after revision of the outcomes of the first year.

FLSA: Exempt

CSU Classification Salary Range: $ 2,860.00 - $ 16,773.00 per month 

Hiring Range/Rate: 35.00 per hour

Salary Grade/Range:  0

Time Base: Hourly-Intermittent

Work Hours: 5 hours per week minimum

Department Information 

The Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) program’s strengths lie in its curriculum and outstanding laboratory facilities. The EEE curriculum focuses on hands-on experience and provides a strong theoretical and practical background for students to enter the workforce and thrive in their chosen career. Our alumni are hired by local and nationwide industry-leading companies.

Minimum and Required Qualifications 

1.Postdoctoral scholar in the field of power systems and power electronics with expertise in applications of HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) and PHIL (Power-Hardware-in-the-Loop) in Microgrid Stability, Power System Protection, Cyber-Security, and Electric Vehicles.

2.Ability to assist in the development of grant proposals, supervising Master’s students, and development of experiments for our state-of-the-art laboratories.


3.Commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive work environment with diverse colleagues and constituents including faculty, students, staff, and members of the community.

 

 

Documents Needed to Apply

Resume and cover letter

About Sacramento State

Sacramento State is located in the heart of California’s capital city, five miles from State Capitol. The lush, 300-acre campus is situated along the American River, close to numerous bike trails and other recreational areas. Sacramento, also known as the “Farm-to-Fork Capital,” is one of the most ethnically diverse and livable cities in the country, with a population of half of a million. Sacramento State is a Hispanic and AANAPISI serving institution with about 31,000 students coming not only from the Greater Sacramento Region, but also from across the state, country, and world. Our 1,800 faculty and 1,500 staff are committed to meeting our mission:

“As California’s capital university, we transform lives by preparing students to lead, serve, and succeed. Sacramento State will be a welcoming, caring, and inclusive leader in education, innovation, and engagement.” As the regional hub of higher education, Sacramento State is dedicated to learning and student success; teaching, research, scholarship and creative activity; justice, diversity, equity and inclusion; resource development and sustainability; dedicated community engagement, and wellness and safety.

As evidenced by the values embedded in our Hornet Honor Code, Sacramento State is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all faculty, staff, students, and guests are welcome and valued.  Our commitment is more than simply ensuring that our campus is free from bias and discrimination, but is one devoted to celebrating many diverse identities, life experiences, and perspectives that enrich our community, teaching and learning. 

To learn more about why you should join the Hornet Family, please visit the Why Sac State? page.

Equal Employment Opportunity
California State University, Sacramento is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or disability. Sacramento State hires only those individuals who are lawfully authorized to accept employment in the United States.

It is the policy of California State University, Sacramento to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. If you need a disability related reasonable accommodation as part of the application and/or interviewing process, visit https://www.csus.edu/administration-business-affairs/human-resources/benefits/reasonable-accomodation.html.

The University is committed to creating an education and working environment free from discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. For more information on mandatory training for new employees, visit https://www.csus.edu/administration-business-affairs/human-resources/learning-development/csu-learn.html.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Fire Safety Right-To-know Act Notification:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the current Annual Security Report (ASR) is available for viewing at https://www.csus.edu/clery.
The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery Act crimes for Sacramento State for the last three (3) calendar years. Paper copies are available upon request at the Police Service Center located in the University Union.

Background Check Disclaimer

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with California State University, Sacramento. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current California State University, Sacramento employees who apply for the position.

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

Effective May 2023, per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all California State University, Sacramento employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications. 

Out of State Employment

Sacramento State University, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees (up)on date of hire to reside in the State of California.

As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

Eligibility Verification

Candidate must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. California State University, Sacramento is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (ie. H-1-B Visa).

Note to Applicants:

Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview unless required by collective bargaining agreement.

 

Advertised: Pacific Daylight Time
Application close: Pacific Daylight Time

Apply now

Back to list Refer a friend