The wind energy industry is developing wind turbines and airborne wind energy devices which span altitudes well above the well-studied surface layer. A full understanding of the unsteady inflow conditions which drive loads and performance at these altitudes is lacking. The EU-funded Horizon Europe project MERIDIONAL will provide a comprehensively validated toolchain based on an open-source platform which will draw on an integrated knowledge and data hub to allow the efficient and accurate assessment of the performance and loads experienced by onshore, offshore, and airborne wind energy systems. This tool chain is intended to be used for component, device and plant level planning and operation. 

This project provides an exciting and stimulating research opportunity for those willing to advance our understanding of the physics of the atmosphere and its impact on both wind farm performance and wind farm loading. This is a multi-partner project necessitating close collaboration between some of the leading research institutes working on wind energy in Europe and the US as well as major companies active in turbine design, wind farm development, wind farm operation and airborne wind energy systems development. TU Delft is coordinating this project and is seeking to recruit a team of talented researchers who wish to make a real contribution to the energy transition.

The postdoctoral researcher will focus on the identification of key atmospheric phenomena which affect wind turbine loading and performance, for the present climate but also considering future climate change driven impacts. The researcher will also help to develop new more accurate and robust turbulence models which can capture length scales at all heights of interest. In addition, they will use machine learning techniques to downscale LES mesoscale model turbulence phenomena to the metre scale appropriate for loading calculations on wind energy generation devices and for wake modelling.

The candidate should have an engineering or physical sciences degree and a PhD or equivalent relevant experience in atmospheric boundary layer modelling and boundary layer turbulence. Experience in machine learning and its application in meteorology is desirable. The candidate should have excellent attention to detail, a problem-solving mindset and function well in a team. 

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

We offer a full-time (1,0 fte) contract for the duration of two years. It is also possible to work part-time (minimum 0,6 fte), in which case the duration of the contract will be extended accordingly. 

Salary (scale 10) and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. 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 as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world’s most highly ranked (and most comprehensive) research, education and innovation communities devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. More than 200 science staff, around 250 PhD candidates and over 2,700 BSc and MSc students apply aerospace engineering disciplines to address the global societal challenges that threaten us today, climate change without doubt being the most important. Our focal subjects: sustainable aerospace, big data and artificial intelligence, bio-inspired engineering and smart instruments and systems. Working at the faculty means working together. With partners in other faculties, knowledge institutes, governments and industry, both aerospace and non-aerospace. Working in field labs and innovation hubs on our university campus and beyond.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.