Post Doctoral Researcher

Position Title: Post Doctoral

Employee Classification: Post Doctoral

College/Division: Engineering College

Department: 360750-KLIPSCH SCH OF ELECT AND COMPUTER E

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Las Cruces

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: 60,000

Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt: Exempt

Summary: Seeking a Post Doc researcher to develop AI-driven models for energy systems, focusing on renewable integration, climate resilience, and grid stability.

Classification Summary:

Assist, instruct and function as a role model for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in a relevant research program.

Classification Standard Duties:

Supervise, direct, delegate and evaluate work of assigned staff. Oversee and/or conduct research. Assist in technical support for the delegated project. Create new opportunities by preparing and submitting new project proposals to national funding agencies. Perform related duties as required.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency:

Required Education: Doctorate degree in related field. Required Experience: No previous work experience required. Equivalency: None; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of university and department policies and procedures; principles and practices of organization and administration; principles of supervision, training, mentoring and performance evaluation; research techniques and designs; methodologies; data collection and analysis.
SKILLS: Skills in short- and long-range planning; problem analysis and resolution; report preparation and presentation; public contact and relations; oral and written communication; literature reviews and compilation; material development for scientific and non-scientific audiences; grant writing and peer reviewed publications; modification of existing models or development of new models. The applicant may be responsible for assisting in technical and outreach support in the department and organizing outreach events and conferences addressing activities associated with the research project.
ABILITIES: Ability to direct, evaluate, train and supervise the work of assigned personnel; develop and maintain effective working relationships; maintain accurate and orderly records; use independent judgment and initiative; organize and direct activities; analyze and evaluate information; make presentations; work as a member of a team; write technical reports, conference presentation papers, peer-reviewed journal articles and grant proposals.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

This position will have the following responsibilities:

• Research and Model Development:
• Develop and implement advanced AI-driven models for energy systems, focusing on renewable energy integration, grid stability, and climate resilience.
• Create data-driven and machine learning models to assess the impacts of climate change on energy systems and identify mitigation strategies.
• Design and apply algorithms for power system optimization, control, and decision-making under uncertainty.
• Proposal Development and Dissemination:
• Assist in the preparation of competitive grant proposals for federal, state, and private funding opportunities.
• Work closely with the PI and research team to conceptualize innovative research ideas and contribute to proposal writing.
• Disseminate research findings through high-impact publications, conference presentations, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Student Mentorship and Engagement:
• Mentor and supervise undergraduate and graduate students involved in the research project.
• Cultivate a collaborative and inclusive research environment to enhance the students’ learning experience and professional growth.
• Provide hands-on training and guidance on research methodologies, data analysis, and technical writing.
• Collaboration and Innovation:
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to advance the project’s goals and integrate knowledge from AI, energy systems, and climate science.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in AI, energy systems, and climate research to inform and enhance project outcomes.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

A Ph.D. in electrical engineering, computer science/engineering, or a related field; strong programming skills in languages such as Python; experience in machine learning and artificial intelligence; experience in power system simulation software is preferred; excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a collaborative research environment.

Special Requirements of the Position:

Department Contact: Di Shi, 575-646-3704, [email protected]

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon external funding

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.
• Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.
• Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.