PhD Position in Wind Energy Research – University of Oldenburg, Germany
Position Title: Research Assistant (PhD Position) – Turbulent Inflow & Wakes of Offshore Wind Turbines
Department: Physics, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg
Application Deadline: 1 May 2025 (23:59 CET)
Start Date: Flexible
Contract Type: Temporary, Full-time (39.8 hrs/week)
Project: CRC 1463 – Integrated Design and Operation Methodology for Offshore Megastructures
Project Overview:
Join an internationally recognized wind energy research group to study laminar-turbulent inflow conditions and wake dynamics of large offshore wind turbines operating above boundary layers. This position focuses on wind tunnel experiments, numerical modeling, and development of wind field inputs for a digital twin of megastructure wind turbines.
Responsibilities:
Conduct wind tunnel experiments using laboratory turbines
Simulate realistic wind using active grids and measure wake flow & turbine loads
Utilize advanced techniques: PIV, LDA, Hot-Wire Anemometry
Refine and expand stochastic flow models (e.g., Langevin, Fokker-Planck)
Integrate novel modeling concepts like directed percolation
Collaborate within CRC 1463 for digital twin development
Publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences
Supervise students and engage in teaching activities
What We Offer:
Access to a state-of-the-art large wind tunnel and advanced measurement tools
Interdisciplinary team of physicists, engineers, meteorologists
Flexible and remote work options at the modern WindLab facility
Strong academic network through ForWind, Fraunhofer IWES, and CRC 1463
Structured PhD training with access to seminars, workshops, and EU-level wind energy programs
Family-friendly environment with on-campus daycare and support services
Eligibility Criteria:
Master’s degree in Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Meteorology, or related fields
Strong background in fluid dynamics, experimental physics, or numerical modeling
Programming and data analysis skills are highly desirable
Excellent written and spoken English
Motivation for research in renewable energy and wind engineering
How to Apply:
Send your application to:
For questions, contact Prof. Kerstin Avila: kerstin.avila@uni-oldenburg.de
Fields Eligible to Apply:
Physics
Mechanical Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Renewable Energy
Fluid Dynamics
Applied Mathematics
Atmospheric Sciences
More Info:
CRC 1463: sfb1463.uni-hannover.de
ForWind: forwind.de/en
Research group: uol.de/en/physics/research/
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