In the research group "Fundamentals of Turbulence and Complex Systems" (TuCS) at the Institute of Physics of the University of Oldenburg, as well as at the Center for Wind Energy Research ForWind, the position as

Research Assistant / Doctoral student (f/m/d) 

(75% of a regular working time; German public service paygrade TV-L E13)

to be filled at the earliest possible date for a duration of four years. 

The planned work in the field of experimental wind energy and turbulence research is part of the program "Transformation of the Energy System in Lower Saxony" (TEN.efzn), funded by the joint science funding initiative "zukunft.niedersachsen" of the Lower Saxony Ministry for Science and Culture and the Volkswagen Foundation. The research program runs until the end of September 2029 and is structured into six research platforms.

The interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research platform "Reallabor (Living Lab) 70GW Offshore Wind", led by Prof. Avila in Oldenburg, supports the expansion of offshore wind energy in the North Sea and addresses technological, ecological, and social science questions. In addition to scientific surveys, the project includes intensive field measurements of the atmosphere, turbines, and ocean currents, as well as extensive laboratory experiments.The consortium consists of 23 project leaders across six research institutions and is funded for a duration of five years.

Tasks and responsibilities: In the subproject advertised here, the flow conditions in offshore wind farms, particularly at high altitudes, will be investigated. The focus lies on the turbulent–non-turbulent boundary layer at the transition to the free atmosphere and how these wind conditions affect the turbine wakes and loads in the first three rows of a wind farm. The corresponding inflow conditions wind will be replicated in a wind tunnel to analyze the loads and wakes using state-of-the-art optical measurement methods (e.g., Lagrangian Particle Tracking). In addition to traditional scientific work (e.g., publications, conference presentations), interdisciplinary collaboration within the research consortium is expected, as well as participation in the transfer and communication of results in line with the living lab approach. Further responsibilities include supervising bachelor’s and master’s theses, contributing to teaching, and assisting with project proposals.

Prerequisite for employment is a successfully completed academic degree (Master’s or Diploma) in physics, engineering, or a comparable field of study. Knowledge of fluid dynamics or nonlinear systems and excellent English skills are required. Experience in laboratory experiments would be a significant asset, particularly in the area of turbulence transition in flows. Advanced knowledge of optical flow measurement techniques, such as PIV, data analysis (in Python or MATLAB), and/or fluid-structure interactions, would be ideal. Applicants should have an interest in designing new experiments and in learning and developing methods of stochastic and spatiotemporal analyses.

Working environment:We offer globally unique laboratory infrastructure for wind energy research and are a young, interdisciplinary team consisting of physicists, engineers, and meteorologists. By working with the wind tunnel, you will become part of a dynamic and supportive team of experimenters, and for the analysis you will receive close supervision from a postdoctoral researcher within the same subproject. The position provides an opportunity for your own academic advancement (PhD). We conduct fundamental research (e.g., in DFG collaborative projects) as well as applied research in collaboration with industry.The living lab offers a unique chance to contribute scientifically to Germany's urgent energy transformation at the forefront of research, while engaging with civil society and policymakers.

The Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg aims to increase the proportion of women in academia. Therefore, women are strongly encouraged to apply. In accordance with § 21 (3) NHG, female applicants will be given preferential consideration in cases of equal qualifications. Persons with disabilities will be given preference in hiring if equally qualified.

The application must include at least the following documents:

• Cover letter: In addition to explaining your motivation for this position, please clearly outline which of the required qualifications you possess and the extent of your experience.

• Degree certificate,

• Curriculum vitae (CV).

Please send your complete application with the subject line "Reallabor-TuCS-PhD" and the specified documents (cover letter, CV, certificates), preferably as a PDF file, via email no later than January 6, 2025, to:

Prof. Dr. Kerstin Avila (mailto: application_tucs@uol.de)

ForWind, Institut für Physik, Universität Oldenburg, 
Küpkersweg 70
26129 Oldenburg

Ausschreibung im Stellenportal der Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg