**Overview** At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus. The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management. The Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, is accelerating the transition to an efficient, resilient, and secure energy system through basic and applied research. We leverage a strong technical foundation in power and energy systems and advanced data analytics to drive innovation, transform markets, and shape energy policy. The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking an experienced technical leader to advance research and strategy development at the intersection of transportation electrification and the electric power grid. This leadership role will play a critical part in setting the technical direction for a muti-disciplinary team of researchers focused on understanding and managing how rapidly evolving transportation systems interact with grid infrastructure. As electrification of the nation’s transportation sector accelerates, important questions must be addressed: What will be the impact of widespread electric vehicle (EV) adoption on the power grid? How can vehicles provide grid services and flexible load management to support growing electricity demand across the United States? PNNL researchers are developing advanced planning tools and strategies that enable engineers to determine when and where upgrades to grid and local electrical distribution systems are needed. These capabilities support decision-making for consumers, utilities, aggregators, and local and regional governments as they prepare for anticipated growth in large electricity loads, including data centers, commercial fleets of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, and residential charging demand. **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. Key Responsibilities: + Manage and coordinate a multi-sponsor portfolio of VGI projects + Engage regularly with DOE program leaders and other stakeholders to align PNNL efforts with national priorities in vehicle electrification and grid integration. + Guide and advise the research of other principle investigators to increase the scope, impact, and funding of the portfolio + Lead and participate in large, multi-laboratory research initiatives. + Represent PNNL in the vehicle-grid integration space, serving as a thought leader among peers within PNNL, other national labs, DOE programs (e.g., Vehicle Technologies Office, Strategic Policy Office), utilities, and consortium partners. + Leverage existing and create new partnerships with utilities, aggregators, researchers, and industry stakeholders. + Drive cutting-edge research into VGI activities, including vehicle-to-grid technologies, vehicle-to-home solutions, and broader vehicle-load management strategies. + Address large-scale load management challenges from a utility systems perspective, developing models, tools, and frameworks that fill knowledge gaps and support practical implementation. + Represent PNNL at conferences, workshops, and meetings, showcasing recognized technical expertise in VGI, policy alignment, and programmatic contributions. + Build and mentor a team of researchers, engineers, and technical staff by fostering innovation and excellence within PNNL's vehicle-grid research programs. **On-site in Richland, WA is strongly preferred; remote work may be considered.** **Qualifications** Minimum 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. **Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment** Not applicable. **Additional Information** “Referral Eligible” **Testing Designated Position** This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP). **About PNNL** 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 careers@pnnl.gov . **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. **Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements** 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. **Mandatory Requirements** Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment. **Rockstar Rewards** Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year. * Research Associates excluded. **All benefits are dependent upon eligibility. Click Here For Rockstar Rewards (https://careers.pnnl.gov/rockstar-rewards) **Notice to Applicants** PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules. As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position. **Minimum Salary** USD $173,400.00/Yr. **Maximum Salary** USD $274,100.00/Yr.