Postdoc position: Wind farm turbulence

Job description

Registration website

Are you fascinated by the effect of turbulence on wind energy production? Are you highly motivated to work in a dynamic research environment? We are looking for a postdoc to study the influence of atmospheric turbulence on wind farms performance using novel large-eddy simulations!

Advancements in wind turbine technology have resulted in growing use of wind energy to reduce carbon emissions. Modern wind turbines and wind farms are becoming so large that their performance is affected by atmospheric turbulence flow phenomena that are not yet well explored. You will develop novel large-eddy simulation techniques to study how atmospheric turbulence affects wind farm performance

Your profile

We seek  a highly motivated, positive and hardworking researcher with a PhD in turbulence, fluid dynamics, wind energy, or in a closely related field to join a hardworking group of scientists and engineers working on a common theme. Demonstrated programming experience and the skill to perform state-of-the-art simulations of fluid dynamics programs are a requirement. The position requires the ability to work independently with excellent analytical and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in English is required, both spoken and written.

This position plays a key role in the wind farm project and will be embedded in a multifaceted research group with colleagues working on similar topics.

• Full-time 2-year postdoc position.
• Full status as an employee, including pension and health care benefits. Salary and conditions are in accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities.
• We provide a stimulating, modern research environment with world-class research facilities, including access to top supercomputers.
• The starting salary, depending on experience, ranges from € 3.353 to €4.402 gross per month
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• Between 29 and 41 leave days in case of full-time employment.
• The university is situated on a green campus with facilities for sports and other activities.
• Researchers from outside the Netherlands may qualify for a tax-free allowance equal to 30% of their taxable salary (the 30% tax regulation).

Please submit your application via the applicant button, including: 

• A cover letter outlining your specific interest, qualifications and motivation to apply for this position.
• A detailed CV.
• Transcripts from your Bachelor and Master degrees.
• Contact information of two scientific staff members (one should be the supervisor of your MSc thesis project) who are willing to provide a recommendation letter at our request.
• An interview and a scientific presentation will be part of the selection procedure.

If you have any questions about the vacancy, please contact Richard Stevens ([email protected]). 

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our university. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Work is carried out in the Physics of Fluids group at the University of Twente in the Netherlands. We study various fluid mechanical problems using experiments, simulations, and theoretical methods. The group is embedded in the Max Planck Center for Complex Fluid Dynamics, the J.M. Burgers Research Center for Fluid Mechanics. For further information, you are encouraged to visit us at https://stevensrjam.github.io/Website/ and http://pof.tnw.utwente.nl, where you can read more on our research.

TNW Faculty (Faculty of Science & Technology)

The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.

University of Twente (UT)

University of Twente (UT) has entered the new decade with an ambitious, new vision, mission and strategy. As ‘the ultimate people-first university of technology' we are rapidly expanding on our High Tech Human Touch philosophy and the unique role it affords us in society. Everything we do is aimed at maximum impact on people, society and connections through the sustainable utilisation of science and technology. We want to contribute to the development of a fair, digital and sustainable society through our open, inclusive and entrepreneurial attitude. This attitude permeates everything we do and is present in every one of UT's departments and faculties. Building on our rich legacy in merging technical and social sciences, we focus on five distinguishing research domains: Improving healthcare by personalised technologies; Creating intelligent manufacturing systems; Shaping our world with smart materials; Engineering our digital society; and Engineering for a resilient world.

As an employer, University of Twente offers jobs that matter. We equip you as a staff member to shape new opportunities both for yourself and for our society. With us, you will be part of a leading tech university that is changing our world for the better. We offer an open, inclusive and entrepreneurial climate, in which we encourage you to make healthy choices, for example, with our flexible, customisable conditions.