PhD Position Interactions Between Offshore Wind Turbines and the Marine Atmospheric Boundary Layer

Job description 

In the coming years, a significant number of offshore wind farms will be deployed to meet global renewable energy targets. This rapid growth in capacity will be accompanied by several key changes: turbines will increase in size, capacity density will rise, the spacing between wind farms will decrease, and installations will extend into deeper waters. These developments will intensify interactions between wind farms and the marine atmospheric boundary layer (MABL). While research has focused on how the atmosphere influences wind turbines, far less is known about how wind farms themselves impact the dynamics of the atmosphere and ocean.

In this project, you will use a coupled atmosphere-wave-ocean regional-scale model to explore the large-scale interactions between offshore wind turbines and the MABL. The accuracy of these models can be improved in several ways. One important path is through validation, which helps to identify potential shortcomings and refine model performance. Additionally, by improving the representation of small-scale processes—through high-fidelity modeling, observational data, or data-driven approaches—model performance can be further enhanced. Your work with this coupled model will be pivotal for understanding the broader effects of wind farms on the marine atmosphere and oceanic processes.

Example research questions may include: How well can coupled atmosphere-wave-ocean models with turbines represent key interactions in the marine environment? What are the potential implications of large-scale wind farm installations on the MABL and associated ocean-atmosphere dynamics? However, you will be encouraged to contribute your own ideas and shape the research direction based on your interests and insights.

Throughout the project, you will have opportunities to collaborate with an interdisciplinary team, including experts in atmospheric, oceanic, and climate modeling. We value your growth as an independent researcher and aim to support your professional development and networking opportunities, both during and beyond the PhD program.

Job requirements

• Master's degree in Earth sciences, physics, applied mathematics, engineering, computer science or related discipline.
• Strong skills in fluid mechanics and numerical modelling.
• Experience with 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 18 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, e-mail: S.P.Porchetta@tudelft.nl

Application procedure

Please apply no later than 14 February 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae

• Motivation letter detailing: (1) your interest in atmospheric physics and offshore wind turbines and (2) your experience in conducting research.

• Transcripts from your BSc and MSc degrees.

• Contact details for two referees.

Please note:

• You should apply online via the portal. We will not process applications sent by email.

• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.

• Kindly do not contact us for unsolicited services.