Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Center for Advancing Community Electrification Solutions (ACES)

The ACES Center at Lehigh University invites applications for a highly qualified postdoctoral researcher in a multidisciplinary project on the stability and cyber-physical security of hyperscale data centers in future inverter-dominated power grids. The project is a collaboration across Electrical and Computer Engineering (Dr. Javad Khazaei and Dr. Shalinee Kishore) and Civil and Environmental Engineering (Dr. Faegheh Moazeni) departments at Lehigh University. This position focuses on the fundamental interaction between gigawatt-scale hyperscale data centers and modern power grids with high penetration of inverter-based resources (IBRs). The resulting system is a tightly coupled cyber-physical infrastructure where power electronics, AI-driven workloads, UPS systems, and grid dynamics interact across multiple timescales, creating new and poorly understood instability mechanisms.

The successful candidate is expected to contribute to foundational research in dynamic modeling, stability analysis, and control of coupled data center–grid systems. Emphasis will be placed on developing new theoretical frameworks for inverter-dominated systems, identifying stability boundaries, and designing predictive mitigation strategies under both normal and adversarial (cyber-physical) conditions.

A key feature of this position is the opportunity to collaborate with the Siemens Research and Development team through existing partnerships between the PIs and Siemens, providing exposure to industrial-scale inverter technologies and pathways for translating theoretical results into practice.

Position Number: RC1480

Anticipated Salary: $63,480 - Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, including benefits.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, execute, and analyze experiments, contributing to the overall goals of the research group.
• Prepare and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at conferences.
• Assist in the mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students, providing guidance on experimental techniques, data analysis, and project development.
• Contribute to grant writing, including assisting in the development of proposals and identifying funding opportunities.
• Participate in departmental seminars, workshops, and other events, engaging with the academic community.
• Contribute to teaching responsibilities, including delivering lectures, leading lab sessions, and supporting curriculum development (subject to department needs and funding agency requirements).

Qualifications:

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Control, Applied Mathematics, or related field (completed or near completion)
• Strong publication record in top-tier journals or conferences in power systems, control, or cyber-physical systems
• Strong expertise in at least one: power system dynamics, inverter-based resources, microgrid modeling, or nonlinear control
• Solid foundation in dynamical systems, optimization, or control theory
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or equivalent scientific computing tools
• Strong writing, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills are required
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with inverter-dominated grids, grid-forming or grid-following control
• Background in cyber-physical systems, resilience, or energy infrastructure security
• Familiarity with data center systems (UPS, rectifiers, workload-energy coupling)
• Experience with real-time simulation or HIL platforms (OPAL-RT, RTDS, PSCAD, etc.)
• Strong interdisciplinary research record across power systems and control
• Publications in IEEE Transactions, IFAC, or equivalent venues

Terms of Appointment:

This is a full-time, one-year position with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability. The position will start on a mutually agreed-upon date.

Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, including benefits. Please visit the Postdoctoral Affairs Office website for the compensation policy at Lehigh University.

Application Process:

Applicants should submit a cover letter describing research interests and fit, CV with publication list, 2–3 representative papers and contact information for three references. Applications should be sent to Prof. Javad Khazaei (Email: khazaei@lehigh.edu ). Please make sure to use the Email subject: ACES Postdoc – Cyber-Physical Data Center Stability for full consideration.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Lehigh University offers a vibrant and inclusive work environment that fosters professional growth, personal development, and a strong sense of community. With a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we value the unique perspectives and experiences of our employees. Competitive benefits, including comprehensive healthcare plans, tuition remission, and retirement savings opportunities, ensure your well-being and long-term success. Lehigh University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate. We are committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse community and we seek qualified candidates to contribute to the university’s mission.

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Lehigh's Accommodations Specialist.

• The duties of the position do not allow for a remote work option; the employee in this position will be required to work on campus where they can be fully accessible to the Lehigh community
• This position works with minors

Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position.

Only complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety. Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.