Are you fascinated by physics and the application of state-of-the-art fluid dynamics computer simulations to real world problems? Are you curious about the potential applications of wind energy? Are you ambitious and dynamic? Do you strive for excellence? We are looking for a PhD student to carry out state-of-the-art research on wind farm dynamics. Wind turbines interact with the environment over a wide range of length scales ranging from millimeters (viscous scales) and meters (wakes and tip vortices) up to kilometers (wind farms). This large separation of scales makes analysis and design of wind farms very challenging. However, a detailed understanding of the relevant physics is essential for efficient wind farm designs that fully harness the huge potential of wind energy. High-fidelity numerical simulations are an ideal tool to enhance our fundamental insight into the performance of wind farms. Simulations allow us to visualize the flow in wind farms and study important physical effects under controlled and reproducible conditions. In this PhD project you will further develop and use state-of-the-art large eddy simulations to study the interaction between different wind farms. You will use the insight obtained from these high-fidelity simulations to develop physics-based analytical models that describe the performance of wind farm clusters.

You have a background in applied physics or mechanical engineering, or in a closely related discipline. You have strong communication skills, including fluency in written and spoken English. You are enthusiastic, and highly motivated to do a PhD. Programming experience in C or Fortran is a plus.

We want you to play a key role in an ambitious project in an inspiring and stimulating international work environment.

• We provide excellent mentorship and a stimulating, modern research environment with world-class research facilities.
• You will have an employment contract for the duration of 4 years and can participate in all employee benefits the UT offers.
• Additionally, the UT is a green campus with excellent facilities and resources for professional and personal development.
• You will follow a high-quality personalized educational program.
• The research will result in a PhD thesis at the end of the employment period.
• We strive for diversity and fairness in hiring.

How to apply
Potential applicants are encouraged to apply to Dr. Richard Stevens (r.j.a.m.stevens@utwente.nl).

Applications should include the following documents:

• A motivation letter describing why you want to apply for this position
• Description of your research interests.
• A detailed CV.
• Academic transcripts from your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
• Email addresses of at least two references who are willing to send a letter of recommendation on your behalf.
• An interview with a scientific presentation will be part of the interview process.

The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which leads change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university of the Netherlands; divided over five faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. We have a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out groundbreaking research.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Because of our diversity values we do particularly support women to apply.

Within the TNW Faculty (Faculty of Science & Technology) of the University of Twente some 700 staff members and 2000 students are involved in training and research on the interface of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. Research, which enjoys a high profile both at home and internationally, has been accommodated in the multidisciplinary research institutes MESA+ and MIRA. The faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders.