Cornell University, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Position Description
Postdoctoral
Research Fellows - AI for Energy
We are seeking
outstanding postdoctoral research fellows to join a multi-year research
initiative sponsored by the Bezos Earth Fund. This project aims to develop and
deploy advanced AI-driven learning, prediction, and decision-making tools to
transform millions of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) into a vast, distributed
network of mobile batteries that actively support the power grid to facilitate
the deep integration of intermittent renewable power generation and enhance
grid resilience during extreme weather events. Through partnerships with
several major utilities, ISOs, and charging infrastructure providers, fellows
will also have the opportunity to field test and validate their methods using
real-world systems. Postdoctoral fellows will work across the following
research areas:
- Predictive machine learning
- Robust and stochastic optimization
- Learning-enabled control and reinforcement learning
- Power system operations, planning, and electricity market design
- Transportation systems modeling and optimization
Responsibilities: Postdoctoral fellows will:
- Develop, train, validate, and benchmark AI/ML models using large-scale, real-world datasets and systems.
- Lead and participate in research activities with Professor Eilyan Bitar and collaborating Cornell faculty.
- Collaborate with a cohort of postdocs, graduate students, and the broader Cornell research community in AI, energy systems, and optimization.
- Mentor graduate students, co-author high-impact publications, and present at major conferences.
- Engage with industry partners, utilities, and community stakeholders to translate research into real-world impact
Basic
Qualifications:
Applicants should have:
- Expertise in one or more of the following areas: machine learning, reinforcement learning, robust/stochastic optimization, control systems, transportation systems, power systems, electricity markets, or closely related areas
- Established publication record
- A PhD in a relevant field (or near completion)
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
How to
Apply: Please submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Two recent publications or preprints
- Names and contact information for two references
- Unofficial graduate transcript
- (Optional) Research statement outlining past work and future directions relevant to the project
Additional
Information:
- Review of applications begins immediately and continues until all positions are filled.
- Start dates are flexible; candidates may begin as early as Spring 2026.
- Learn more about the project here.
For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email mycareer@cornell.edu.
If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.
Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor.
Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.
EEO Statement:
Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
Pay Ranges:
The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:
- Prior relevant work or industry experience.
- Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
- Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
- Unique applicable skills.
Application Materials Required:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Two publications
- Unofficial Graduate Transcript
- (Optional) Research Statement
- Two references (no actual letters, just names and email addresses
)
Further Info:
School of Electrical and Computer Engineering
229 Phillips Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853