Postdoc in Feedback Effects of Offshore Wind Turbines on the Environment
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), with potential impacts extending into the atmosphere above and the upper ocean below. While many studies focus on how atmospheric and oceanic conditions affect turbine performance and power production, significantly less is known about how large offshore wind farms modify atmospheric and oceanic processes themselves.
In this project, you will investigate whether and how large offshore wind farms influence precipitation. Using high-resolution numerical modeling, you will examine the physical mechanisms through which wind-farm-induced changes in the atmospheric flow and boundary-layer structure can affect precipitation. Targeted simulations with and without wind-farm effects will be used to quantify these responses and determine under which meteorological conditions they are most pronounced.
Available observations will be used to identify relevant cases and evaluate the simulations. Simulations may include realistic cases to investigate potential wind-farm effects on observed precipitation, complemented by idealized experiments to isolate and better understand the underlying physical mechanisms.
You will play a leading role in designing and carrying out the numerical experiments, analyzing model results, and interpreting the physical mechanisms linking offshore wind farms to precipitation. The position offers substantial freedom to shape the scientific direction of the research within this focus, in close collaboration with an interdisciplinary team of scientists.
Job requirements
- 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.
- 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)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.
For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.
At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.
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. Temporary.
- A job of 38-40 hours per week.
- Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
- An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
- The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
- Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
- Flexible working week.
- Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
- Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
- Partially paid parental leave
- Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.
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
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Sara Porchetta (s.p.porchetta@tudelft.nl).
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 15 October 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Motivation letter detailing your interest in atmospheric physics and offshore wind turbines.
- Transcripts from your BSc and MSc degrees.
- Applicants selected for an interview will be asked to provide contact information of at least 2 references.
You can address your application to Sara Porchetta.
Please note:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
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