The SRNL GEM Doctoral Research Fellow in Power Systems will contribute to SRNL’s mission of advancing the resilience and intelligence of the nation’s energy infrastructure by conducting multidisciplinary research at the intersection of power systems, physics-informed digital twins, and AI/ML. The Fellow will join a strategic workforce-development pipeline designed to address the critical national shortage of U.S. PhD scientists with expertise in dynamic and transient analysis of advanced energy systems.
The Fellow will work alongside SRNL scientists and university faculty on energy-systems research topics encompassing dynamic and transient analysis of electrical, thermal, and mechanical energy systems; real-time simulation using Controller Hardware-in-the-Loop (CHIL) and Power Hardware-in-the-Loop (PHIL); and the development of physics-informed AI/ML methods and digital-twin capabilities for nuclear-SMR, grid, and renewables applications.
Fellows are provided an immersive learning environment to develop into the next generation of multidisciplinary energy researchers, integrate academic coursework with hands-on national-laboratory R&D, and make impactful contributions to ongoing DOE programs.
Work scope may include contributions to the design and operation of CHIL/PHIL testbeds; development and validation of physics-informed machine-learning models; AI-driven digital-twin construction for cyber-physical energy systems; data-driven analysis of phasor measurement, EMS, and operational utility data; and participation in publications and conference presentations in collaboration with SRNL principal investigators and university advisors.
Successful candidates will:
Minimum Qualifications:
Must be a U.S. Citizen
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (recently earned or expected within the next term) in Electrical & Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a closely related discipline
Admitted to, or in the process of being admitted to, an accredited PhD program in a relevant discipline
Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.6 or higher; transcript required prior to hiring
Demonstrated research interest in power and energy systems, physics-informed digital twins, and/or AI/ML methods
Preferred Qualifications:
Admission to a PhD program at a BSRA-affiliated university (Clemson University, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Georgia, University of South Carolina, or South Carolina State University) or at a university with an existing SRNL scientist appointment (Florida State University, Virginia Tech) is preferred; candidates from other accredited engineering PhD programs will also be considered
Coursework or hands-on research experience in dynamic and transient analysis of electrical, thermal, or mechanical energy systems
Experience with real-time simulation platforms (e.g., RTDS, OPAL-RT, Typhoon HIL) and CHIL/PHIL testbeds
Familiarity with physics-informed machine learning, digital-twin development, or scientific computing frameworks
Faculty recommendation from the candidate’s prospective PhD advisor
Prior conference presentations, publications, or participation in student research teams
Work Schedule and Location
Location: SRNL Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative (AMC) facility
Summer: Full-time (40 hours/week) on-site at SRNL
Academic Year: Once the candidate has met their PhD program’s residency requirements at their affiliated university, 20 hours/week at SRNL alongside coursework and dissertation research
Duration: Through PhD dissertation defense (typically 3–5 years)
"We put science to work!"
Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) is a multi-program laboratory applying state of the art science and practical, high-value, cost-effective solutions to complex technical problems to protect the nation. Located at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Savannah River Site (SRS) in Aiken SC, the laboratory develops and deploys innovative technologies to address some of the nation’s environmental, energy, and national security challenges.
Battelle Savannah River Alliance (BSRA) is constantly assessing trends to provide the best possible benefits to our workforce. We also negotiate cost effective premiums that will meet the needs of our evolving workforce.
Some of the *Benefits offered to employees include:
*Benefits vary based upon employment status
For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the “About” tab at www.srnl.doe.gov
BSRA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. BSRA is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. Please email us at SRNLRecruiting@srnl.doe.gov with any questions regarding the hiring process or to request an accommodation.
The Savannah River National Laboratory is a U.S. Department of Energy - Office of Environmental Management multidiscipline research and development center, where accomplished scientists and engineers solve the nation’s most challenging environmental and security problems.
With a staff of more than 1,100 dedicated and safety-focused professionals, SRNL protects the nation by applying science to global security, the environment and the energy economy. The laboratory uses its unique scientific and engineering expertise to develop and deploy practical solutions with high returns on investment for the nation. SRNL innovations include advances in energy storage technology, materials science, and nuclear non-proliferation. The laboratory also provides field-proven expertise for environmental cleanup and managing the nation’s nuclear materials.
SRNL conducts research in specialized laboratories for the safe study and handling of radioactive materials, laboratories for ultra-sensitive measurement and analysis of radioactive materials, internationally accredited analytical laboratories, and the only radiological crime investigation laboratory in the U.S.
Working with an established network of industry, academic, and public partners, SRNL has advanced scientific discovery and commercial innovation. SRNL also fuels the nation’s economy by licensing its patented technologies to private companies for commercialization.
Whether it is optimizing chemical processes to safely dispose of legacy nuclear waste, collaborating with partners on grid security or using its expertise in nuclear materials science to make the world safer, SRNL works every day to secure the nation’s future.
