MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI) invites applications for a post-doctoral position for a project on climate-resilient energy infrastructure planning for low-carbon energy futures. This project is primarily supported by the low-carbon energy center (LCEC) on electric power systems (EPS, https://energy.mit.edu/eps/) and will involve researchers at MITEI, the Laboratory for Information & Decision Systems (LIDS) and the Department of Civil and Engineering at MIT.

The project will develop large-scale stochastic optimization models and methods to investigate planning of multi-vector (electricity, gas) energy infrastructure for low-carbon energy futures while explicitly factoring resiliency to climate-induced disruptions. The developed framework will be used as part of an industry-sponsored study to evaluate the relative merits of direct electrification vs. other strategies (e.g. using hydrogen in gas network) to decarbonize space heating in buildings.
The candidate’s responsibilities will include: i) developing/improving computationally efficient optimization models to incorporate resiliency aspects in multi-vector energy infrastructure planning; ii) using the developed models to provide policy-relevant recommendations regarding cost-effective strategies for decarbonizing space heating in buildings in cold climates; (iii) investigating use of real-world data for model calibration and/or validation. 

Applicants must have a PhD in an engineering discipline with a demonstrated background in deterministic and stochastic optimization, data-driven modeling and have some familiarity with energy systems (e.g. industrial engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering with a systems focus). Candidates are expected to regularly present research results in sponsor meetings and center workshops, publish papers in international conferences and in peer-reviewed journals. This is a one-year position available immediately with possibility of renewal depending on the progress achieved and continued funding.

To apply for this opportunity, applicants should submit their application package (full CV and a research statement) via the online application portal: https://tinyurl.com/b3kb7x2n  

For further information on the group and related projects, please feel free contact Dr. Dharik Mallapragada ([log in to unmask]) and Prof. Saurabh Amin ([log in to unmask]).