Job Summary:
The
Sr. Research Scientist works as a member of the Center
leadership team to lead and perform complex or leading edge
research, and will be responsible for the Power Electronics
Applications Laboratory (PEAL) and the Center’s research
collaboration with the power electronics industry by leveraging the
capabilities of PEAL. The Scientist is responsible for overseeing
the operation of PEAL, including lab safety and supervision of lab
users. Additionally, the Scientist will work with Center leadership
to develop research collaborations with the power electronics
industry. The position involves working directly with industrial
partners to assist them with the development and implementation of
testing and characterization of different aspects of power
electronics, including wide bandgap power semiconductors, power
converter static and dynamic behavior, component characterization,
and the development of simulation models and analytical
tools.
Who we are:
Founded in 1824,
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is
the first technological research university in the United States.
We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address
society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional
problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry,
disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan,
RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era
of RPI.
Explore the RPI Forward plan. ︎
Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home
to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an
observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM
Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in
the world.
With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer
offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program,
tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Doctorate (Ph.D., J.D., Ed.D., or equivalent) in Electrical
Engineering or a related field
Five (5) or more years of experience in power electronics,
preferably in industry, including:
- Developing and executing R&D projects with industry
partners.
- Demonstrated expertise and practical experience in one or more
of the following areas:
- Power electronics hardware across a broad range of power and
switching frequencies
- Wide bandgap power devices and emerging applications
- Hands-on experience with power electronics characterization
methods, procedures, and tools
- Programming for basic analysis in Python, MATLAB, or equivalent
tools, along with project management and reporting
- Laboratory safety procedures
Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ability to apply mastery and broad understanding in areas of
expertise to practical scientific or technical projects
- Excellent analytical, technical, reasoning and innovative
problem solving skills
- Ability to respond quickly and effectively to changing
situations
- Ability to balance conflicting priorities
- Ability to interact and communicate effectively and courteously
with internal and external constituents
- Knowledge of appropriate field specific systems, equipment and
techniques of collecting & recording data
- Ability to analyze and interpret technical data
- Ability to communicate technical data in a clear, concise
manner
- Knowledge of and ability to pay strict attention to research
protocol
- Ability to remain calm and composed when dealing with difficult
situations or people
Representative Job Duties:
- Lead research team in the formulation of research direction,
conception of research ideas and execution of research projects in
areas of expertise, emphasizing collaboration with industry.
- Identify and pursue opportunities for new research proposals in
areas of expertise. Develop research proposals independently or in
cooperation with other Center researchers.
- Direct the daily operation of CFES Power Electronics
Applications Laboratory (PEAL) in compliance with accepted
laboratory standards, safety regulations, and other applicable
requirements.
- Supervise, educate, train and manage users including students,
researchers, faculty and industry personnel on proper use of PEAL.
Authorize use of equipment and coordinate access by users.
- Maintain and support PEAL spaces and equipment, make
recommendations on improvement and upgrade as appropriate.
- Lead and execute Center research collaboration with the power
electronics industry by leveraging PEAL capabilities.
- Provide technical support and consultation to Center industry
partners in areas of expertise, including wide bandgap power
electronics, test methods and procedures, and different
applications.
- Identify and pursue opportunities for new research projects
emphasizing collaboration with industry. Develop research proposals
independently or in cooperation with other Center researchers.
- Contribute to technical publications as well as presentations
and communications to existing and potential new partners and
research sponsors.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Shift:
Business Hours with weekends or evenings occasionally
required
Travel:
No travel
Driving:
No Driving
Starting Salary/Rate:
Expected hiring range: $80,000 - $138,000 / yr
Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary
will be determined based on factors that include the available
budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications,
experience, education and other job-related credentials. This
hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the
expected hiring range at the time of posting.
Application instructions:
Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile.
Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.
If you need assistance with the online application process, please
contact
careers@rpi.edu.
Job Posted Date:
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Total Compensation and Benefits Information:
Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide
stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package,
and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription
plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a
comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of
financial security and protection during your employment. For more
information, please visit
Benefits | Human Resources
(rpi.edu) .
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is committed to the
cultivation of a community that is welcoming, inclusive, and above
all values learning. We welcome candidates who bring a variety of
perspectives to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's work and campus
communities. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Equal
Opportunity Employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for
employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual
orientation or gender identity, national origin, disability status,
protected veteran status, or other characteristic protected by
law.