This position is for a PhD researcher to assess the impact of climate change on offshore wind farms with an emphasis on extreme weather events. For example, more storms may have an impact on electricity supply if large numbers of offshore wind farms shut down in high winds. A gust front associated with thunderstorm activity can cause a change from gentle breeze to gale conditions and back within a few hours, causing large power fluctuations which could pose network problems if such events were to increase in frequency. The researcher will:
• analyse surface and remote sensing data to assess frequency and characteristics of extreme weather events;
• use suitable models to downscale global datasets for the prediction of extreme events;
• quantify the impact that future extremes may have on offshore wind farms.

The candidate should have a meteorological background, good data analysis skills, and preferably should have some experience in using mesoscale or computational fluid dynamics models. Computational skills using FORTRAN and Matlab would be an advantage.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information.

For more information, please contact Prof. Simon Watson, phone:+31 (0)15-2781896, e-mail: S.J.Watson@tudelft.nl. To apply, please e-mail a detailed CV and letter of application by 31 August 2017 to Sylvia Willems, s.m.willems@tudelft.nl.
When applying, please refer to vacancy number LR17-27.
If your MSc diploma and transcript are not in Dutch, English, French or German and you will be the selected candidate, the TU Delft will ask you to deliver a certified translation.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (the TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. The TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At the TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. The TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

Aerospace Engineering

The Department of Aerodynamics, Wind Energy and Flight Performance and Propulsion (AWEP) is one of four departments composing the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering. Fundamental research is performed in the Aerodynamics section. Aircraft design, propulsion systems and their integration are the main topics in the FPP section. Wind energy systems, from small wind turbines to large offshore farms, are the objective of the research of Wind Energy. The department operates comprehensive laboratories equipped with modern wind tunnels and state-of-the-art measurement systems.

The Wind Energy section facilitates the development of wind energy technology and the expansion of the use of wind power through research and education.
In its research activities there is a focus on large, multi-megawatt offshore wind turbines and offshore wind farms, although urban wind power is also addressed. Both technology development aspects as well as fundamental aspects are present in the research programme. With respect to education, dedicated courses on the BSc and the MSc levels are offered for Aerospace students, SET students and for the European Wind Master (EWEM) students.