Princeton ZERO Lab: Postdoc (or more senior) positions in applied optimization & macro-energy systems planning

Princeton ZERO Lab: Postdoc (or more senior) positions in applied optimization & macro-energy systems planning

One or more postdoctoral research associate or more senior associate research scholar positions are available at Princeton University in the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment. Researchers will join the Zero-carbon Energy systems Research and Optimization Laboratory (ZERO Lab) run by assistant professor Jesse D. Jenkins jointly appointed with the Andlinger Center and Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. The ZERO Lab focuses on improving and applying optimization-based macro-energy systems to evaluate and optimize low-carbon energy technologies, guide investment and research in innovative energy technologies, and generate insights to improve energy and climate policy and planning decisions

In particular, we are looking for scholars who can contribute to one of two research thrusts (or both):

  1. Applied operations research: scholars will develop and implement novel methods to improve the computational performance and resolution of large-scale optimization models for energy systems planning and operations, leveraging decomposition methods, machine learning, multi-scalar modeling, and other creative techniques.
  2. Applied energy systems modeling: scholars will help build and apply state-of-the-art macro-energy systems planning models to evaluate and optimize emerging low-carbon energy technologies and generate insights to improve energy and climate policy and planning decisions.

Applicants should specify in their cover letters which of these two program areas (or both) they see themselves contributing to, the motivations for their research, and why they are qualified to contribute to cutting-edge research in these areas.

Submit your application no later than November 1, 2024, 11:59 (EST) to be considered in a first round of applicant reviews.

If you are planning to attend INFORMS 2024 in Seattle, please indicate this in your cover letter.

Ideal applicants will have prior experience in optimization methods and applied energy system modeling, particularly macro-scale energy systems; familiarity with algebraic modeling languages used for linear and mixed integer programming (e.g. Julia/JuMP, Python/Pyomo, AMPL, GAMS); and comfort working in a multidisciplinary and collaborative research environment.

All candidates must have strong, demonstrated research ability and excellent English written and spoken communication skills and be very comfortable in an interdisciplinary research environment. Applicants should hold a PhD in a relevant field, including mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering, energy science and engineering, energy resources, and operations research.

We are interested in receiving applications from members of groups that historically have been underrepresented in science and engineering.

The term of appointment is based on rank. Positions at the postdoctoral rank are for one year with the possibility of renewal pending satisfactory performance and continued funding; those hired at more senior ranks may have multi-year appointments. The work location for this position is in-person on campus at Princeton University.

Inquiries about the positions may be sent to jdj2@princeton.edu. Please reference position D-25-ENE-00004.

Application process

Applicants must apply online at https://www.princeton.edu/acad-positions/position/36503 and submit a CV, cover letter, and contact information for three references. The candidate is subject to the University’s background check policy.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.