Offshore wind energy is a key plank of the European Green Deal to achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. However, the development of offshore wind farms is still high-risk. Rare but high impact extreme wind gust (EWG) phenomena have the potential to cause costly damage and jeopardise security of supply in a de-carbonised power system. The present understanding of these EWG phenomena over the North Sea region is limited, and as yet there is no climatology of gust events. Owing to the sparseness of wind measurements over the North Sea, it is not surprising that the EWG events are often not captured. These small-scale, localized structures also pose challenges for numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. Contemporary NWP models cannot explicitly resolve gusts due to a lack of spatial resolution, and even with a state-of-the-art gust parameterization, severely underestimate the strength of these events. In order to circumvent these issues, in a newly funded project, we have reformulated the gust estimation problem as an `image regression' problem.

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher who will utilize state-of-the-art deep learning tools (e.g., convolutional neural networks) in conjunction with high-resolution weather radar data for reliable estimation of extreme wind gusts. In addition, the postdoc will also develop a decision tree-based model (e.g., XGBoost, CatBoost) to estimate the impact of EWG events on wind turbine structural loads. The research findings will be presented in an international conference and disseminated via peer-reviewed publications. 

Required:

• Ph.D. degree in computer science, engineering, or related disciplines
• Peer-reviewed publications in application of machine learning
• Strong working knowledge of various machine learning frameworks (e.g., Keras, TensorFlow, PyTorch)
• Proficiency in python
• Strong communication skills and fluency in English

Preferred:

• Ph.D. degree in data science or machine learning
• Experience with Linux environment 

The duration of the contract is one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (salary indication scale 10: € 2.836,00 - € 4.474,00). The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Civil Engineering and Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource depletion, urbanisation and the availability of clean water, conducted  in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced that Open Science helps to achieve our goals and supports its scientists in integrating Open Science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.