Research Professor and Assistant Director, Center for Microgrid Research

The College 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 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 College 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.

• →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
• →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 College of Engineering

• 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
• Proven record of research publications with at least 5 peer- reviewed publications 

To be considered for this opportunity, all applicants must apply online at https://www.stthomas.edu/jobs/. 

The application process consists of several required steps, completed in the order outlined below.

You will first be asked to create an applicant profile. As part of creating your profile, you must upload the following materials: 

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• 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 College of Engineering and Center.
• A teaching statement describing your teaching philosophy

Please upload only the documents specifically requested in the job posting at this stage. Do not upload any additional materials into other available fields

After submitting your applicant profile, you will be directed to the job‑specific application. During this step, you will be asked to provide:

• A PDF version of your cover letter detailing your interest in the position
• Complete the voluntary EEO, Veteran, and Disability self‑identification forms 

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide contact information for three professional references.

• References will not be contacted without your permission
• Candidates who advance to the finalist phase will be asked to have their references submit letters of recommendation.

The University of St. Thomas is a dynamic, mission-driven, urban university. Located in a residential neighborhood with easy access to two downtown metropolitan areas and Minneapolis-St. Paul international airport, we are Minnesota’s largest private university with eight schools and colleges, 150+ undergraduate majors/minors, and 55 graduate programs. Learn more about life as a faculty member at St. Thomas at the following link: Faculty at St. Thomas.

Established in 1885, the University of St. Thomas is located in the major metropolitan area of Minneapolis-St. Paul, and is Minnesota’s largest private university. Its 9,000 students pursue degrees in a wide range of liberal arts, professional, and graduate programs.

Official job posting is available at https://www.stthomas.edu/jobs/.