This PostDoc position offers a unique opportunity to work within a recently awarded NWO project, Holi-DOCTOR: Holistic framework for DiagnOstiCs and moniTORing of wind turbine blades. The aim of this project is to use drive train vibration monitoring, noise measurement, infrared and vibration monitoring in a holistic framework to improve blade maintenance by reducing costs and increase confidence in detecting blade faults.

Within the Holi-DOCTOR project, a unique opportunity is available for a passionate and highly motivated researcher to investigate the detection of anomalous rotor and blade behaviour using numerical models of a wind turbine drive train.

The aims of this research will be to:

• Develop a wind turbine high-fidelity dynamic model to simulate the drive train response under different blade damage conditions;
• Evaluate the effectiveness of drive train signals for wind turbine blade structural integrity monitoring;
• Leverage conventional signal processing approaches and techniques to identify the most sensitive and effective blade damage indicators.

This research project provides an exciting opportunity for a postdoctoral researcher to make a real difference in terms of increasing the value of offshore wind energy. The researcher will benefit from the strong links with the Holi-DOCTOR academic and industry partners. In particular, the project will be co-supervised by Prof Amir Nejad at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). The collaboration with NTNU will be facilitated through regular meetings and exchange visits. 

We are seeking for an excellent candidate who has:

• A PhD in an appropriate discipline, i.e. Engineering, Computer Science or Applied Mathematics;
• Demonstrable knowledge and interest in wind turbine modelling and signal processing;
• Excellent analytical and programming skills in Python/MATLAB, preferably combined with experience in working with wind energy systems and data;
• Demonstrable experience with high-fidelity multibody modelling tools, such as SIMPACK;
• A curiosity-driven mindset and a strong motivation of conducting independent research;
• Inclination for team-work and effective communication in an international environment;
• Excellent spoken and written English;
• Experience with aero-elastic computer-aided engineering tools, such as FAST, GH Bladed, HAWC2 or SIMA, would be an advantage.

Female scientists are particularly encouraged to apply. A strict equal opportunity, gender-neutral and internationally comparable recruitment procedure is implemented.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (based on scale 10: € 2.960,00 - € 4.670,00). 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, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

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 270 PhD candidates and close to 3000 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.