Postdoc in Atmosphere-Ocean Feedbacks of Offshore Wind Farms

Understand how large offshore wind farms reshape atmospheric and ocean processes, and help advance sustainable offshore energy through observations, high-resolution modelling and coupled atmosphere-ocean-wave mesoscale modelling.

Job description
Offshore wind energy is expanding rapidly with larger turbines, higher power densities, reduced spacing between wind farms, and deployment in deeper waters. These developments intensify interactions between offshore wind farms and the marine atmospheric boundary layer (MABL). While many studies focus on how atmospheric conditions affect turbine performance and power production, significantly less is known about how large offshore wind farms modify atmospheric and ocean processes themselves.

In this project, you will develop and apply an integrated research approach combining large-scale observations, high-fidelity Large-Eddy Simulations (LES), and high-resolution coupled atmosphere-wave-ocean regional modelling. This comprehensive framework enables the investigation of wind farm–induced atmospheric and oceanic modifications. As one example among several potential effects, the project will investigate whether and how offshore wind farms influence precipitation patterns.

You will play a leading role in designing and carrying out numerical experiments, analysing large observational and model datasets, and translating process-level understanding from LES into improved representations for mesoscale and regional models. The position offers substantial freedom to shape the scientific direction of the research within this project, in close collaboration with an interdisciplinary team of scientists.

You will join the Geoscience and Remote Sensing Department (GRS), working closely with PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and senior staff. TU Delft provides excellent support for professional development, including training opportunities, access to world-class computational facilities, and a collaborative academic culture where curiosity and scientific excellence are highly valued.

Job requirements
We are looking for a curious and motivated researcher who enjoys working at the interface of atmospheric and ocean sciences. You have:

• A PhD degree in Earth Sciences, physics, applied mathematics, engineering, computer science or related discipline.
• Strong skills in fluid mechanics and numerical modelling.
• Experience with large observational data sets of environmental variables.
• Programming experience (e.g. Matlab, Python).
• A demonstrable interest in atmospheric physics and offshore wind turbines.
• Good organizational skills and ability to work independently.
• Good command of written and spoken English.
• Experience with peer-reviewed scientific publishing will be appreciated.

TU Delft (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 of 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 availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions.
CEG is convinced of the importance of open science 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.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 12 months, possible extention of an additional 12 months.
• A job of 38-40 hours per week.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, 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.

Additional information
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Sara Porchetta (s.p.porchetta@tudelft.nl).     

Application procedure
Please apply no later than 1 February 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae.
• Motivation letter detailing your interest in atmospheric physics and offshore wind turbines.
• Publication list incl. a one-page summary of your PhD thesis.
• Contact details for two referees.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
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