PostDoc in the Field of Future Wind Farms Control

As pioneers in the field of wind energy and control, we are looking for an ambitious PhD candidate to join our research group on these topics.
 

Job description 

Wind energy is crucial for realizing climate neutrality, energy independence, and energy security. Optimal operation of wind energy systems is challenging because of their inherent complexity, fast-changing operating conditions, as well as conflicting requirements for the cost of investment and energy generation. Novel optimization-based controllers have the potential to tackle these challenges. In particular, the controllers leverage the properties of feedback to take into account recent data instead of relying on mathematical models of the system, making them a good candidate for future wind farm control. At the same time, long-term performance of these controllers remains an open question.

The main objective of this postdoc is to investigate the potential of new wind farm flow control technologies for new wind farms (including storage, forecasting, energy markets). The task of this Postdoc is to co-develop the integrated design framework and assess the integrated potential for novel wind farms with a special focus on the energy market.

Job requirements 

The successful candidate has the following qualifications:

• A Ph.D. degree in systems and control, mechatronics, applied mathematics, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• Fundamental knowledge in the field of optimization and control.
• The capacity to communicate effectively with peers, students and stakeholders in the application field.
• Good programming skills are a plus: MATLAB, Python, Julia, Git.
• Fluency in English.
• An open personality and good communication skills in written and spoken English.

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 Mechanical Engineering

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

Conditions of employment 

• Duration of contract is 3 years.
• 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. 

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 information

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact prof. Jan-Willem van Wingerden, j.w.vanwingerden@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 8 May 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV.
• Motivational letter.

• Names and contact information of two referees.

• (Draft) Master thesis.

For information about the application procedure, please contact Mr. Giedo Kocken, HR advisor, recruitment-me@tudelft.nl.

You can address your application to Jan-Willem van Wingerden.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.