Join the RAPID-Wind project to develop next-generation adaptive finite element models for high-fidelity wave–structure interaction simulations in offshore wind foundations.Job descriptionWe are looking for a highly motivated and talented PhD researcher to join the RAPID-Wind project, which aims to develop a new computational framework for the design of advanced offshore wind turbine foundations in deep waters. As turbine sizes increase and installations move to greater depths, the offshore industry faces growing challenges related to wave loading, dynamic response, and fatigue. Perforated monopiles are a promising concept to reduce hydrodynamic loads and increase passive damping, but their design requires accurate simulation tools capable of resolving complex free-surface, multiscale flow–structure interactions. RAPID-Wind will develop a new computational modelling framework that enables high-fidelity simulations and real-time predictions by combining adaptive unfitted finite element methods, high-performance computing (HPC), and efficient surrogate models based on reduced-order modelling (ROM) and neural operators. Note that there is another PhD position within the project focusing on surrogate modelling; applicants with a primary interest in this topic are encouraged to apply via the corresponding link.
If selected, you will focus on developing the essential numerical foundations for robust simulation of free-surface flows interacting with offshore structures of complex geometry. In particular, you will advance the state of the art in adaptive mesh refinement and immersed boundary techniques to automatically resolve flow inside and around offshore wind foundations. This involves solving coupled fluid–structure interaction problems in free-surface flows. The methods and formulations developed in this PhD project will form the core of a scalable HPC simulation framework, which will be further extended in collaboration with a postdoctoral researcher. This simulation framework will also serve as the basis for developing the underlying problem formulation and for generating high-resolution simulation data for the development of surrogate models within the project.
You will join the Computational Multiphysics in Offshore Engineering (CMOE) group (https://tudelftcmoe.super.site/), a dynamic research team dedicated to developing state-of-the-art numerical methods for offshore renewable energy applications. The group specializes in computational modelling of fluid–structure interaction, wave–structure interaction, and mooring systems. Your PhD project will be co-supervised by Oriol Colomés, lead of the CMOE group, and Alexander Heinlein (https://searhein.github.io/), from the Numerical Analysis section at the Delft Institute of Applied Mathematics. You will be part of the Offshore Engineering section in the Hydraulic Engineering Department, working alongside leading experts in offshore energy. You will actively participate in regular group meetings, publish scientific articles, and present your work at national and international conferences. You will also contribute to teaching and supervision activities within the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences at Delft University of Technology.
A key aspect of this PhD project is close collaboration with industry partners to ensure that the research translates into real-world design practice. The research will be conducted in cooperation with companies and organizations leading the design and analysis of offshore wind foundations.
Job requirementsWe are acutely aware that we are a diverse society and not every talented applicant will have had the same opportunities to advance their careers. We therefore pledge to fully account for any particular circumstances that the applicants disclose (e.g. parental leave, caring duties, part-time jobs to support studies, disabilities etc.) to ensure an inclusive and fair recruitment process that does not rely purely on common research metrics.
The successful applicant will have:
- A master's degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Maritime Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science or another relevant domain.
- Basic knowledge of numerical methods for the solution of partial differential equations. Research experience with the finite element method is a plus.
- Good programming skills (Fortran/C++/Python/Julia), preferably in Julia.
- Knowledge in fluid-structure interaction problems, scientific computing and ocean energy technologies are considered a merit.
- Self-motivated, curiosity-driven, open to communicate and collaborate with peers.
- Excellent communications skills in English, both writing and speaking.
- Ability to work independently and self-driven in a multidisciplinary team
Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught doctoral courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details, please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.
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.
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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.
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Conditions of employment Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.
The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.
Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit,
Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A
Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.
Additional informationFor more information about this vacancy, please contact Oriol Colomés (
j.o.colomesgene@tudelft.nl) or Alexander Heinlen (
a.heinlein@tudelft.nl)
Application procedureAre you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than
22 March 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
- A cover letter describing your motivation and qualifications for the position (1 page)
- Curriculum Vitae including three references and list of publications (if any)
- Qualification evidence including latest degrees and transcripts.
- A digital copy of MSc thesis (if applicable)
You can address your application to Oriol Colomés.
Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the
Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.
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