Position Title:Postdoctoral Research Associate in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Appointment Type:Post Doc/Trainee
Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Iowa State University invites applications for an immediate Postdoctoral Research Associate position. The successful candidate will participate in cutting-edge research projects focused on optimization, data analytics, and control of power distribution systems. This position offers the opportunity to collaborate closely with utility company partners and national laboratories, utilizing real-world utility data and models to address practical and impactful challenges in modern power systems. The selected candidate will contribute to the development of innovative solutions that enhance the reliability, efficiency, and resilience of electric power distribution networks.
Required Minimum Qualifications :PhD in Electrical Engineering
Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated research experience in power distribution systems, optimization, data analytics, or control through doctoral research, postdoctoral research, industry experience, or funded research projects.
Authorship or co-authorship of at least one peer-reviewed journal article or conference paper in a relevant field.
Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills through completion of independent research projects, dissertation research, or development of technical solutions in a relevant discipline.
Evidence of research initiative and creativity, such as first-author publications, leadership of research activities, proposal development, or significant contributions to collaborative research projects.
Experience presenting technical or research findings to academic, industry, or professional audiences through conference presentations, seminars, workshops, or invited talks.
Department/Program & College Description:
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is part of Iowa State University's College of Engineering, one of the nation's leading engineering colleges. The department is recognized for excellence in research, education, and innovation across areas including electric power and energy systems, communications, cybersecurity, microelectronics, and systems and controls. Faculty and researchers collaborate with industry, government agencies, and national laboratories to develop solutions that address pressing technological and societal challenges.
Department Unit/Website:Engineering Graduate Studies - College of Engineering (https://www.engineering.iastate.edu/graduate-studies/)
Application Instructions:To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program
Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Proposed Start Date:November 1, 2026
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:Post Docs
Original Posting Date: August 12, 2026
Posting Close Date:September 1, 2026
Job Requisition Number:R19752
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
Current employees (excluding temporary, student and graduate assistants) must apply through the Workday Internal Careers Hub (https://www.myworkday.com/isu/d/task/2998$46522.htmld?reloadToken=892f884ef9c2fa7e5e6257ecf4e9e942f7aa1a12df75918c6ce41bc78e123167) .
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive?land-grant?mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university's verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
