Graduate Research Assistant (Power Systems Innovation) at Hawai‘i Natural Energy Institute
Contact: Saeed Sepasi (sepasi@hawaii.edu)
Location: Honolulu, HI
Description: To begin approximately Spring or Fall 2025. Part-time position, 50% FTE, 20 hours per week. Participate as a member of HNEI’s Grid Systems Technologies Advanced Research Team (GridSTART), plan and conduct research related to smart grid, microgrid, renewable energy grid integration, and power systems operation; conduct data analysis and reduction; and organize and report findings.
To apply: Please contact Dr. Saeed Sepasi for more information. We are looking for students who plan to start the 2 year Master’s program in Electrical Engineering at UHM.
Graduate Research Assistant at Urban and Regional Planning
Contact: Jennifer Kondo (jhkondo@hawaii.edu)
Location: Honolulu, HI
Description: Under the general supervision of the Principal Investigator Dr. Karl Kim and staff, GA will assist in the coordination and execution of site surveys across the State of Hawaii to collect seatbelt, car seat, helmet, and truckbed use data. Graduate Assistant is expected to contribute to improvements in the collection and analyses of data as well as draft, edit, and finalize written reports. Required neighbor island travel and possible attendance at transportation research conferences. Other projects include conducting observational studies and the Waikiki Benchmarking project.
Tasks:
1. Collection of observational survey data for statewide seat belt usage, child safety seat usage, motorcycle helmet usage, and riding in truckbed.
2. Coordination, preparation, and execution of site surveys and data collection.
3. Compilation of data and preparation for analysis.
4. Perform statistical analysis using SAS and Excel, and produce reports for the State of Hawaii, Department of Transportation.
5. Assist with recruitment and training of student observers.
6. Review and study of past site observational surveys and its statistical methodologies, findings, and reports.
7. Scheduling and performing observations and collection of data.
8. Maintenance and preparation of observation equipment and supplies.
9. Organizes, reviews, and analyzes all collected data and research findings, and drafting and editing of reports.
Minimum Qualifications:
1. Bachelor’s degree in planning, economics, engineering, public health, education, or other related fields.
2. Experience with statistical analyses.
3. Strong writing, communication, and organizational skills.
4. Must be able to work in teams or groups to complete projects.
5. Must be able to multi-task and meet frequent deadlines.
6. Must have a valid driver’s license.
Desirable Qualifications:
1. Experience or willingness to learn GIS and mapping software
2. Knowledge and experience using SAS for statistical analysis tools and MS Excel
To apply: This position is to begin approximately 7/1/2025 with an appointment period ending on 12/31/2025 with the possibility of funding extension to 06/30/2026, subject to satisfactory performance reviews throughout the appointment. Continuation contingent upon program needs, satisfactory performance, and availability of funds. The position will work an average of 20 hours per week and, with prior approval, up to 40 hours per week during the summer.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Submit cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and desirable qualifications, names and contact information (including e-mail addresses) of references, curriculum vitae/resume to the address below. Application materials may also be submitted via email to Nathan Lee (ncslee@hawaii.edu).
