Join the Smart Grid Lab

Open PhD Positions for Fall 2027

SDSU–UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program (JDP) in Electrical and Computer Engineering

The Smart Grid Lab at San Diego State University (SDSU) has open PhD positions for Fall 2027 through the Joint Doctoral Program (JDP) in Electrical and Computer Engineering, offered jointly by SDSU and the University of California San Diego (UCSD). As a JDP student, you will conduct your dissertation research in the Smart Grid Lab at SDSU and earn a doctoral degree awarded jointly by the two universities. Funding is available for qualified candidates.

Research areas

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a strong background in one or more of the following areas:

• Power system optimization: Convex relaxations, mixed-integer, stochastic and robust optimization, decomposition methods, optimal power flow, and unit commitment for grid planning and operation under uncertainty.
• Machine learning for power systems: Physics-informed and graph-based learning, reinforcement learning for grid control, forecasting, and learning-to-optimize.
• Power system modeling: Transmission and distribution network modeling, data center load modeling and interconnection studies, DER and EV integration, interdependent energy infrastructure, and grid resilience against wildfires and extreme weather.

Qualifications

• M.S. in Electrical Engineering or a related field (preferred), or an outstanding B.S. with research experience
• Solid foundation in optimization, linear algebra, and probability
• Programming skills (Python, Julia/JuMP, or MATLAB) and experience with optimization solvers or machine learning frameworks
• Research experience (a thesis or publications) is a strong plus
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and in a team

How to apply

1. Request your personal application link below. We will email you a private link to the online application, where you will answer questions about your background and upload your CV and transcripts.
2. Submit your online application by December 1, 2026.
3. We review applications on a rolling basis. Selected applicants will be invited for an interview.

Please apply through the online application. To keep the process fair and timely for every candidate, we kindly ask that you not send application materials or inquiries by email; we are unable to respond to individual emails about these positions, and materials sent by email cannot be considered.

Request your application link

Enter your name and email address, and we will email you a personal link to the online application.

The online application closes with the program deadline, December 1, 2026 (Pacific Time).

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We use the information you provide only to send you your application link and to evaluate your application. It is kept confidential.