Postdoc in Atmosphere-Ocean Feedbacks of Offshore Wind Farms

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). While many studies focus on how atmospheric conditions affect turbine performance and power production, significantly less is known about how large offshore wind farms modify atmospheric and ocean processes themselves.

In this project, you will develop and apply an integrated research approach combining large-scale observations, high-fidelity Large-Eddy Simulations (LES), and high-resolution coupled atmosphere-wave-ocean regional modelling. This comprehensive framework enables the investigation of wind farm-induced atmospheric and oceanic modifications. As one example among several potential effects, the project will investigate whether and how offshore wind farms influence precipitation patterns.

You will play a leading role in designing and carrying out numerical experiments, analysing large observational and model datasets, and translating process-level understanding from LES into improved representations for mesoscale and regional models. The position offers substantial freedom to shape the scientific direction of the research within this project, in close collaboration with an interdisciplinary team of scientists.

You will join the Geoscience and Remote Sensing Department (GRS), working closely with PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and senior staff. TU Delft provides excellent support for professional development, including training opportunities, access to world-class computational facilities, and a collaborative academic culture where curiosity and scientific excellence are highly valued.

Job Requirements

We are looking for a curious and motivated researcher who enjoys working at the interface of atmospheric and ocean sciences. You have:

• A 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.
• Programming experience (e.g. 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.

Conditions of Employment

• Duration of contract is 12 months, possible extension of an additional 12 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.

Application Procedure

Please apply no later than 1 February 2026 and upload the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae.
• Motivation letter detailing your interest in atmospheric physics and offshore wind turbines.
• Publication list incl. a one-page summary of your PhD thesis.
• Contact details for two referees.

Contact information:

Name: Sara Porchetta
E-Mail: [email protected]