Description

The University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research is seeking to fill an Associate Director position to manage the Center’s Intelligent Systems for Grid Reliability group. This is a highly technical and a senior management-level position with responsibilities to establish a world-class research program focusing on artificial intelligence applications for electrical power system reliability and resiliency. In the area of interest described above, the successful candidate will establish and lead: a.) AI-Driven Reliability Modeling, Predictive analytics for power system reliability assessment, machine learning for equipment failure prediction and maintenance optimization, real-time grid stability assessment using AI/ML techniques; b.) Resilience Under Extreme Events, AI models for grid response to severe weather, cyber-attacks, and natural disasters, adaptive grid recovery and self-healing systems, climate change impact modeling on electrical infrastructure, low probability, high impact energy emergency events/failures; c.) Integration of Renewable Energy, AI-optimized management of variable renewable energy resources, smart inverter control and distributed energy resource coordination, energy storage optimization using machine learning; d.) Gride Modernization & Smart Grid Technologies, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) data analytics, demand response optimization using AI, microgrid control and islanding strategies.
Key responsibilities include recruiting, managing, and mentoring a multidisciplinary team of 5–10 research professionals, including scientists, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate assistants. The candidate will develop and lead innovative research programs, securing $3–5 million annually in funding from federal agencies, industry partners, and foundations. They will cultivate strategic partnerships with Kentucky utilities, national laboratories, and industry stakeholders, while providing scientific direction across multiple concurrent projects. Additional duties include identifying new funding opportunities, representing CAER at national forums, and fostering the development of early-career researchers and student interns.

Requirements

Specific Skill Sets: The candidate should have 1.) deep knowledge of electrical power systems, grid operations, and reliability analysis; 2.) proven expertise in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data analytics; and 3.) experience with power systems modeling tools. Practical experience in industry is desired. Demonstrated ability to secure competitive research funding ($5M+ career total preferred) and managing large-scale technical projects and cross-functional teams. Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, technical reports, and/or industry publications. Experience collaborating with utilities, grid operators, energy companies, and national laboratories. Track record of developing multi-stakeholder industry partnerships and consortia.