Role overview
- Research Associates excluded.
Responsibilities
The successful Principal Research Scientist candidate will lead PNNL’s efforts for vehicle-grid integration (VGI) technologies addressing the intersection of transportation electrification, grid modernization, and utility systems.
Further, this position will engage with stakeholders, including the Department of Energy (DOE), other national laboratories, utilities, aggregators, and consortia, to shape innovative solutions to address large-scale loads introduced by electric vehicles (EVs) and vehicle charging infrastructure. They will lead technical research combining a broad systems-level perspective informed by expertise in utility operations, vehicle-grid integration, and program strategy.
Basic qualifications
- BS/BA and 9+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
- MS/MA and 7+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
- PhD with 5+ year of relevant experience
Preferred qualifications
- Expertise in vehicle charging infrastructure, including technologies, policies, and large-scale deployment strategies.
- Established professional network across DOE, utilities, grid operators, and transportation sector stakeholders.
- Demonstrated success engaging with DOE programs, utilities, and industry consortiums to deliver scientific and stakeholder-aligned solutions.
- Background with utility systems, aggregators, and strategic collaboration to enhance grid flexibility and resilience.
- Understanding of DOE structure, programs, and how those collaborate with the national laboratory system.
- Strong systems-level perspective on load management challenges posed by transportation electrification (e.g., VGI applications and managing large loads across the distribution and transmission system).
- Strong communication and technical writing skills with the ability to translate complex concepts into actionable insights for diverse audiences, including technical experts, policymakers, and stakeholders.
About the company
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.
Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity:
Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at [email protected].
Drug Free Workplace:
PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.
If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.
HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement:
As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.