Faculty Associate - Research

Systems Engineering Department

Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA

The Systems Engineering (SE) Department at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) is accepting applications for a Non-Tenure Track position – Faculty Associate – Research. The Department seeks a candidate who can perform microgrid and energy system research duties.  A Faculty Associate for Research (FA-R) primarily serves the research mission at the NPS, but because research and teaching is highly intertwined at NPS, a FA-R also support our educational mission.

The Department of Systems Engineering is highly recognized for the quality of its educational programs and research as evidenced in its ranking as one of the top programs in the nation by USNWR in the industrial, manufacturing, and systems engineering category. The Department of Systems Engineering has 40 faculty and staff supporting approximately 350 graduate students including 15 PhD students in both residential and distributed learning programs that lead to several degrees and specialized certificates in systems engineering. The faculty immerses itself in relevant, applicable research that range from developing conceptual models of systems to constructing prototypes. Methods include but are not limited to scenario methodologies, system modeling, system analysis, computer simulations, and experimentation. Among the topics that the faculty have addressed are combat systems, energy systems, system maintenance, logistics chain, microgrid resilience, concept development for new technologies, and many others.  Further information on the Systems Engineering department is available at http://my.nps.edu/web/seet/nps-se-profile. NPS is located in Monterey, CA.

Your role will support research in its technical execution, administration, and management of research in microgrids and energy systems. Work can include writing proposals, budget estimates, as well as technical reports. You will be expected to partner with faculty and students to write scholarly articles. These activities will be in service and support to research teams that may consist of interdisciplinary faculty and students, as well as of other stakeholders. You must be able to work cohesively in a team environment. An understanding of the operational environment will be critical to your success. Connecting the research products and outcomes with the needs of the operational force is a primary focus of SE research and a growing focus throughout NPS.

The Department is seeking a person able to contribute to ongoing and future research projects.  Primary tasks and responsibilities include:

• Analyze numeric and other data using statistics and other appropriate means.
• Conduct experiments using hardware in laboratory as well as field settings.
• Use engineering computer tools including Matlab, Simulink, and similar tools to support research in energy systems. 
• Assist other faculty and researchers with thesis and capstone project advising.
• Work with other faculty in managing research programs including regular tracking progress and deliverables, as well as keeping team members informed by written and/or oral reports.
• Draft research plans and schedules.
• As required, brief sponsors on the progress of research programs and projects.
• Participate in technical writing of reports and scholarly articles.
• Participate in writing grant applications and acquiring funding for future research efforts.
• Integrate new research tools and/or knowledge in the SE Department and the NPS enterprise.

Interested parties are encouraged to submit their applications to Dr. Ronald Giachetti at regiache@nps.edu.  Review of applications will begin on May 15, 2024 and continue until the position is filled. In your application package include your resume, a sample of your technical writing, and a list of at least three references. Tell us in your cover letter why you are interested in this position and comment on your experience and capabilities.

Minimum qualifications:

• The position requires an individual with a master’s degree or higher in engineering, mathematics, or science.

• Proficiency in technical writing as demonstrated through sample research papers, thesis chapters, published papers, or other expository written content dealing with engineering subject matter. One sample of a previously written product must be provided in application.

• Proficiency in installing and setting up laboratory equipment.  Using the equipment to conduct experiments and knowing how to record and analyze the experimental data.
• Excellent attention to detail with strong organizational, writing, and communication skills are required.
• Proficiency in one or more engineering related software tools for modeling, simulation, and/or analysis of microgrids and energy systems.
• Proficiency in computer programming including languages such Python.
• Proficiency in analyzing large data sets with statistics.
• Ability to perform independently to produce accurate and timely work in a busy, fast-paced environment.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Eligibility to hold a DoD security clearance.

The Naval Postgraduate School is committed to enhancing the diversity of its faculty and staff and encourages applications from women, minorities, people with disabilities and Veterans. The Naval Postgraduate School offers a competitive salary, start-up package, and benefits.

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Applicants with foreign education will be required to select from a list of private organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES), which provide foreign education evaluations acceptable to NPS.

NOTICE OF VETERANS PREFERENCE: Department of Defense considers veterans' preference eligibility a positive factor for hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attached supporting documentation (e.g., DD Form 214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty") to their submissions. Although the point-preference system is not used, applicants eligible to claim 10-Point preference must submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference," and supporting documents required for specific type of preference claimed. (SF 15, which lists the types of 10-Point Preference and the required supporting documents, is available from the Office of Personnel Management Website at www.opm.gov.).

Additional Veterans’ information:  If you are not sure of your preference eligibility, visit the Department of Labor’s website: http://www.dol.gov/elaws/vets/vetpref/mservice.htm.

For more veterans’ preference information, visit: http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.

The Naval Postgraduate School is an equal opportunity employer. For additional information about NPS, please refer to the website at http://www.nps.edu

About Naval Postgraduate School:

The mission of the Naval Postgraduate School is to provide relevant and unique advanced education and research programs to increase the combat effectiveness of commissioned officers of the Naval Service to enhance the security of the United States. In support of the foregoing, and to sustain academic excellence, NPS and the DON foster and encourage a program of relevant and meritorious research which both supports the needs of Navy and Department of Defense while building the intellectual capital of Naval Postgraduate School faculty.

Minimum qualifications:

• The position requires an individual with a master’s degree or higher in engineering, mathematics, or science.

• Proficiency in technical writing as demonstrated through sample research papers, thesis chapters, published papers, or other expository written content dealing with engineering subject matter. One sample of a previously written product must be provided in application.

• Proficiency in installing and setting up laboratory equipment.  Using the equipment to conduct experiments and knowing how to record and analyze the experimental data.
• Excellent attention to detail with strong organizational, writing, and communication skills are required.
• Proficiency in one or more engineering related software tools for modeling, simulation, and/or analysis of microgrids and energy systems.
• Proficiency in computer programming including languages such Python.
• Proficiency in analyzing large data sets with statistics.
• Ability to perform independently to produce accurate and timely work in a busy, fast-paced environment.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Eligibility to hold a DoD security clearance.

About Naval Postgraduate School

The mission of the Naval Postgraduate School is to provide relevant and unique advanced education and research programs to increase the combat effectiveness of commissioned officers of the Naval Service to enhance the security of the United States. In support of the foregoing, and to sustain academic excellence, NPS and the DON foster and encourage a program of relevant and meritorious research which both supports the needs of Navy and Department of Defense while building the intellectual capital of Naval Postgraduate School faculty.

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