"Research Professor and Assistant Director, Center for Microgrid Research"

Research Professor and Assistant Director, Center for Microgrid Research

Company: University of St. Thomas

Job Location:

Category: Electrical Engineering

Type: Full-Time

Campus: St. Paul

Employment Type: Limited-Term Faculty

FLSA Status: Exempt/Salaried

OVERVIEW

The School of Engineering at the University of St. Thomas invites applications for a full-time, Research Professor (limited term, non-tenure track) in the area of Power Systems Engineering at the Center for Microgrid Research (CMR) to begin Spring/Summer of 2026. The faculty member would also serve as the Assistant Director to the Center for Microgrid Research. Candidates are sought in the broad area of power systems with special interest in power system controls, protection, optimization, and AI/ML applications in power and energy systems. Experience with experiments and hardware-in-the-loop is highly desired.

This is a full-time, non-tenure track position and can be renewed for up to 5 years. As a student-focused institution with a strong hands-on curriculum, we emphasize undergraduate and graduate education that provides technical excellence with a significant emphasis on real world applications. Successful candidates will contribute to the ongoing projects and growth initiatives at CMR. The research professor may also teach a graduate or undergraduate course in collaboration with the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Department, contributing to the ECE Department's, Center's, and School of Engineering's educational mission.

The Research Professor and Assistant Director will play a key leadership role in advancing the Center's mission through applied research, strategic partnerships, and funded programs development. This position will work closely with the Center's Director and collaborate closely with faculty, industry partners, and students to lead high-impact projects in microgrids, distributed energy systems, and grid modernization.

The successful candidate will help define and execute the Center's research agenda, oversee sponsored research and lab operations, and contribute to the professional development of graduate and undergraduate researchers.

This position is grant-funded and is a benefits-eligible term appointment. The position duration is renewable to up to 5 years depending on performance, department needs, and availability of funds.

Position Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to externally funded research in power systems, microgrids, distributed energy resources (DERs), and control systems
• Contribute to proposal writing and development of new externally funded research initiatives
• Manage multidisciplinary project teams and coordinate with industry, government, and academic collaborators
• Supervise and mentor postdoctoral scholars, engineers, graduate (Masters) research assistants (GRAs), and undergraduate students
• Support the Center's Director in strategic planning, partnership development, and program administration
• Publish research results in high-impact journals and conferences
• Represent the Center at professional meetings, technical conferences, and industry events
• Oversee laboratory activities and ensure safety, efficiency, and innovation in research operations
• Contribute to the success of the Center, Department, and School of Engineering

Salary & Benefits

The University of St. Thomas offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits program, which includes:

• Tuition remission benefits for employees, spouses, and dependents upon eligibility
• A generous employer retirement contribution upon eligibility
• Medical, dental, and vision options
• Employer-paid disability, life, and AD&D benefits
• Paid parental leave benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 to $100,000

The University of St. Thomas has provided a salary range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The specific salary offered will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Ph.D. (U.S. or Foreign Equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, Renewable Energy, or a related field
• 2 years of experience in power systems (transmission or distributed levels), microgrids, power electronics, or AI/ML applications in power systems
• Demonstrated ability to secure and manage at least 1 external grant
• Proven record of research publications with at least 5 peer-reviewed publications

How to Apply

Applicants must apply online at www.stthomas.edu/jobs. You will first be asked to create an applicant profile. On the applicant profile page, please upload the following materials to your profile:

• A PDF version of your cover letter detailing your interest in the position
• A copy of your curriculum vitae
• A research statement including a written statement of research interests, and a plan to develop a successful research program at the St. Thomas Center for Microgrid Research. A successful research program at CMR is one that would externally funded, supports student research, and advance the national profile of the School of Engineering and Center.
• A teaching statement describing your teaching philosophy

Complete the reference section of the application by providing contact information for three professional references. (No references will be contacted without first getting the permission of the candidate. Candidates who advance in the search will be asked to have three letters of recommendation submitted on their behalf.)