Postdoctoral Researcher-Floating Wind Energy System Analysis

The National Wind Technology Center is seeking a postdoctoral engineer to help execute projects related to offshore wind energy system engineering and analysis. The research engineer will analyze a variety of floating offshore wind system designs under hydrodynamic and aerodynamic loading. Candidates will use high-fidelity tools (such as computational fluid dynamics) and measurement data to understand the limitations of engineering-level tools and improve our understanding of the behavior of these systems.  Candidates will apply the knowledge gained to help improve the engineering models and/or identify regions of limitations of the engineering tools. They will also contribute to the development of methods, in-house tools such as FAST/OpenFAST, and an improved understanding of the levels of uncertainty in the associated models.

The successful applicant will collaborate with other NREL staff in order to carry out research in the following areas:

1) Multidisciplinary offshore wind turbine design analysis

2) Hydrodynamic modeling

3) Computational fluid dynamics

4) Offshore model validation

5) Uncertainty quantification.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate a broad understanding and wide application of engineering principles, theories and concepts as well as general knowledge of offshore wind energy related disciplines and applications. This position will work with a wide variety of customers including the DOE wind energy technology office. They will also work collaboratively with other national laboratories, industry and the international community and execute wind energy related engineering projects worldwide.

The successful candidate will have excellent writing, interpersonal and communication skills. They will be expected to help publish results in technical journals/conference proceedings and present work at conferences, symposia, and review meetings. They will also be expected to support the development of new work proposals, preparations, and reviews.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education, Experience and Skills

PhD in an engineering discipline with focus on fluid dynamics or energy conversion.

The preferred candidate will have extensive knowledge and experience with hydrodynamic modeling theory and computational fluid dynamics. The preferred candidate will also have experience in processing wave-tank or open-ocean measurement data. The preferred candidate will be familiar with uncertainty quantification principles and will have experience with offshore wind energy modeling tools used within the industry, e.g. FAST/OpenFAST, OrcaFlex, and WAMIT. Lastly, candidates with fluids, aerospace, or mechanical design backgrounds with some knowledge of offshore hydrodynamic engineering applications are encouraged to apply.