Postdoc position at Univ of California Santa Barbara - energy modeling
Ranjit Deshmukh PhD
Postdoctoral researcher - Low carbon transitions of energy systems
Position Description:
The Clean Energy Transformation Lab (CETlab -- https://cetlab.es.ucsb.edu/) at the University of California Santa Barbara invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Scholar position to lead research in modeling low-carbon electricity systems. The CETlab focuses on low carbon and just transitions in energy systems by applying energy systems modeling, empirical analyses, and social science research methods. Ongoing CETlab projects are focused on understanding and supporting clean energy transitions in the United States, India, and Sub-saharan Africa through modeling and development of decision-support tools. Lab projects include the Multi-criteria Analysis for Planning Renewable Energy (MapRE) initiative, a spatial analysis platform for planning renewable energy deployment (https://github.com/cetlab-ucsb/mapre), and GridPath, an open-source electricity system planning and operations analysis platform (https://github.com/blue-marble/gridpath). The postdoctoral scholar will lead at least two related research tracks modeling low-carbon electricity systems: the first track examines the low-carbon electricity sector transition and its equity impacts in India; the second track offers flexibility in designing a new project that contributes to the development and application of the GridPath capacity expansion and production cost modeling platform, with a potential application to the U.S. electricity system using open-source data sets. The postdoctoral scholar will be expected to lead or contribute to peer-reviewed publications, give oral presentations, and develop policy briefs and reports to funders and agencies. The postdoctoral scholar will work closely with Ranjit Deshumukh as well as with CETlab graduate students, postdocs, and lab collaborators.
Basic Qualifications:
Applicants must hold a PhD in engineering, interdisciplinary energy studies, or a related field.
Preferred Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will have domain knowledge in energy studies, power systems, renewable energy grid integration, and optimization models. Extensive experience with managing, processing, and analyzing large datasets and strong programming skills especially in Python is preferred. Strong scientific writing and presentation skills are essential. An interest in and track record of publishing in top academic journals is preferred. The ideal candidate should also have strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with academic, NGO and government partners, and to work effectively as part of a highly collaborative research team.
Salary:
Competitive with other universities and commensurate with the applicant’s qualifications. Full benefits package included.
Start date and term:
Start date would be as soon as the position is filled. The duration of the initial appointment is 12 months, with reappointment for another 12 months based on performance and availability of funding.
Application and Review Process:
Interested candidates should contact or send applications to Professor Ranjit Deshmukh at rdes...@ucsb.edu. Applications received by October 20, 2021 will receive priority. Applications must include:
a cover letter addressing your interest in the topic and how you meet the qualifications,
CV,
one to three writing samples of published material, and
contact information for three references
The CETlab and the Environmental Studies Program is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching, and service as appropriate to the position.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
All the best,
Ranjit Deshmukh
Assistant Professor,
Environmental Studies and Bren School of Environmental Science and Management,
University of California Santa Barbara
Faculty Scientist, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory