Aspiring researchers passionate about renewable energy and control systems—here’s your moment! The Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg in Germany, through its prestigious ForWind – Center for Wind Energy Research, is inviting applications for a PhD position / Research Assistant role focused on the control of offshore wind farms for provision of system services. This four-year, fully funded opportunity offers a 75% salary according to the TV-L E13 public service scale.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out?
Located in the dynamic WindLab of Oldenburg, the selected PhD candidate will become part of an internationally recognized wind energy research team. The project forms part of the groundbreaking Living Lab 70 GW Offshore Wind initiative, tackling system integration challenges of large-scale offshore wind farms and enabling them to provide critical grid services like frequency control while extending turbine lifespan through optimized control mechanisms.
This role emphasizes both numerical simulations and hands-on experimental research, including access to state-of-the-art wind tunnel infrastructure and real-world collaboration with top-tier industry and academic partners.
What You’ll Be Working On
Your doctoral research will focus on:
- Designing control algorithms for offshore wind farms and turbines to ensure stable grid support and reduced mechanical loads.
- Integrating wind predictions into real-time control strategies.
- Testing control solutions via large-eddy simulations and a scaled wind farm model.
- Collaborating with wind farm operators, system engineers, and international experts.
You’ll gain direct experience with one of Europe’s most prominent renewable energy research hubs and access resources like the DLR WiValdi research wind farm.
Who Should Apply?
Ideal applicants will have:
- A Master’s or Diploma degree in Control, Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, Renewable Energy, Physics, or similar.
- Strong control systems and programming knowledge (especially in Matlab or Python).
- Motivation to pursue PhD research blending theory with applied experimentation.
- Excellent English proficiency; German skills are a plus.
Prior experience in wind energy systems, turbine dynamics, or international research stays will be considered advantageous.
What You’ll Receive
- Four years of research funding (TV-L E13, 75%)
- Access to world-class infrastructure, international conferences, and industry collaborations
- Structured PhD support, teaching and training opportunities, and optional international research secondment
- Work-life balance amenities, including campus childcare and family support service.
The last date to apply for the PhD position in “Control of Offshore Wind Farms for Provision of System Services” at the University of Oldenburg is April 28, 2025.
