PhD scholarship in Wind Farm Flow Modeling and Optimization in Large Wind Farm Clusters - DTU Wind

Are you passionate about fast-tracking the green energy transition and help shaping the future of offshore wind power? Join our exciting PhD project, funded by a major wind energy company, where you’ll take wind farm design and simulation tools to the next level. By fusing cutting-edge physics-based modeling with rapid, data-driven engineering, you’ll develop innovative solutions for both existing and next-generation large wind farm clusters. In this role, you’ll also tackle the challenge of designing under uncertainty, ensuring that the wind farms of tomorrow are not only bigger and better, but smarter and more reliable. If you’re ready to make a tangible impact on the renewable energy landscape, we’d love to hear from you!

Responsibilities and qualifications
In this role, you’ll spearhead the development of next-generation data-driven wind farm flow models – Combining deep learning and high-fidelity simulations (CFD, meso-scale, and meso-scale-LES). You’ll then apply these cutting-edge tools to optimize wind farms under uncertainty, collaborating closely with an expert team of modelers and optimization specialists to push the boundaries of wind energy technology.

In order to achieve this, you must have prior knowledge in the following topic:

• Wind farm flow modelling
• Machine learning
• Python scientific programming 
• Excellent communication skills, both in writing and oral presentation

You must also have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Approval and Enrolment 
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education. 

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information may be obtained from Head of Section, Pierre-Elouan Réthoré (tel: +45 21331293, pire@dtu.dk)

You can read more about the department at http://wind.dtu.dk

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 30 March 2025 (23:59 Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Wind and Energy Systems, has led wind energy research, teaching, and commercial activities since the 1970s. With around 400 staff, it is now the world’s largest public research institute dedicated to wind and energy systems transition. The department is internationally recognized for pioneering wind technology and smart energy systems, organized into four divisions (Materials and Components, Wind Turbine Technology, Wind Energy Systems, and Power and Energy Systems). In close collaboration with industry and public authorities, it develops cutting-edge solutions for a sustainable energy future and trains the next generation of engineers. Within the department, the Systems Engineering and Optimization section focuses on applying systems engineering to the design and operation complex energy transition - researching wind farms, hybrid power plants, and emerging technologies. Its 25 members employ multi-disciplinary design optimization, systems engineering, uncertainty quantification, machine learning, and more, all to accelerate the green transition.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.