Research Operations Director Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

OVERVIEW
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.
Position Responsibilities

• 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

Salary & Benefits
The University of St. Thomas offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits program, which includes:

• Tuition remission benefits for employees, spouses, and dependents upon eligibility
• A generous employer retirement contribution upon eligibility
• Medical, dental, and vision options
• Employer-paid disability, life, and AD&D benefits
• Paid parental leave benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 to $100,000
The University of St. Thomas has provided a salary range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The specific salary offered will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.
The University of St. Thomas embraces belonging and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity and personal attention call us to embody and champion an inclusive environment. The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or other protected characteristic. This commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity is consistent with our mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good. A successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals of this mission.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:

• 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

HOW TO APPLY
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.
Step 1.
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
Step 2.
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

Step 3.
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.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a nationally recognized center shaping the future of grid innovation
• Access cutting-edge HIL infrastructure and a real-world microgrid test environment
• Collaborate with major utilities, manufacturers, and federal agencies
• Help train the next generation of energy innovators and engineers

The Center for Microgrid Research (CMR) is a premier applied research and education center advancing state-of-the-art technologies for distributed energy resources, grid modernization, and resiliency. Supported by over $28 million in federal and state funding from agencies such as the NSF, DOD, and Minnesota Department of Commerce, the Center operates one of the nation's most advanced campus microgrids-spanning more than 2.2 MW of generation capacity, five interconnected buildings, and four utility tie points. The CMR houses one of the world's largest Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) research testbeds, including both Typhoon HIL and RTDS systems, enabling seamless integration between simulation and real-world experimentation. The Center partners with major utilities, technology companies, and state and federal agencies to accelerate the transition to a secure, resilient, and carbon-free electric grid.
The University of St Thomas College of Engineering (COE) is a primarily undergraduate teaching institution focusing on engineering education within the context of a liberal arts framework. As part of the largest private university in Minnesota, the College of Engineering comprises nearly 15% of the campus population. The UST College of Engineering offers undergraduate and master's level programs in the areas of Electrical Engineering, Data Science, Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil engineering, and Manufacturing Engineering.
About the University of St. Thomas
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/.