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Rain erosion of wind turbine blades is one of the main causes for maintenance of (offshore) wind turbines. In order to increase lifetimes, leading edge coatings are developed. These coating materials are tested in the laboratory but their performance does not always align with field observations. Within this project, we strive to close the gap between laboratory test campaigns and field observations by including the local impact conditions on the blade with the cumulative damage analysis. Moreover, a predictive tool will be developed that allows site‑specific analysis based on large meteorological datasets (from sources such as MSWEP, ERA5 and KNMI) that build on experimental measurements.
As a postdoctoral researcher in this project you will:
- Develop simulation tools for local droplet impact conditions at the wind turbine blade based on test conditions and meteorological conditions.
- Test industry relevant coating materials for high velocity liquid droplet impact performance in the laboratory.
- Implement droplet size dependent and impact velocity dependent cumulative damage models in a digital twin based on meteorological data for site‑specific performance prediction of coated turbine blades.
- Derive guidelines for coating materials, control strategies and maintenance strategies for (offshore) wind parks around the world.
We are looking for a colleague who is comfortable with experimental work in a laboratory as well as programming in (preferably) Python or Matlab.
Your profile- Highly motivated researcher who is driven by curiosity.
- A PhD degree or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Sustainable Energy, Applied Mathematics or similar.
- Experimental and theoretical skills in polymer material testing and/or liquid droplet impingement, experience with rain erosion for wind turbine blades is a pre.
- Experience with programming in scripting languages like Python or Matlab, with a focus on large dataset analysis.
- Good team‑working abilities and a positive can‑do mentality.
- Proficiency in English, both spoken and written (we require a TOEFL > 90 or IELTS > 6.5 score).
- We offer a full‑time 1.5‑year Postdoc position including excellent mentorship in a stimulating research environment with excellent facilities.
- You will receive a gross monthly salary in the range of € 4.241 to € 5.538 based on experience.
- Excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end‑of‑year bonus of 8.3%, a solid pension scheme, and 29 vacation days in case of full‑time employment.
- Excellent laboratory and support facilities, as well as a diverse team of enthusiastic colleagues and supervisors.
- A green campus with free access to sports facilities and an international scientific community.
- A family‑friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).
Please submit your application before May 1, using the “Apply now” button, and include:
- A Curriculum Vitae, including contact information for at least two academic references;
- A cover letter of at most one page. In this cover letter you will explain why you believe you fit to this position, referring to your background knowledge and past experience.
- Transcripts from your PhDnd/or Bachelor and/or Master degrees.
Interviews will be held following the submission closure. Additional information about this position can be acquired from dr.ir. Nick Hoksbergen (t.h.hoksbergen@utwente.nl).
Screening is part of the selection procedure.
About the departmentWe stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which leads change, innovation and progress in society. The UT is the only campus university of the Netherlands. We have a strong focus on personal development and hardworking researchers are given scope for carrying out groundbreaking research.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our university. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Because of our diversity values we do particularly encourage women to apply.
About the organisationThe Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) engages in education and research of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. We enable society and industry to innovate and create value using efficient, solid and sustainable technology. We are part of a ‘people‑first' university of technology, taking our place as an internationally leading center for smart production, processes and devices in five domains: Health Technology, Maintenance, Smart Regions, Smart Industry and Sustainable Resources. Our faculty is home to about 2,900 Bachelor's and Master’s students, 550 employees and 150 PhD candidates. Our educational and research programmes are closely connected with UT research institutesMesa+ Institute, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.
Published
2026-03-26
#J-18808-Ljbffr€4241 - €5538 monthly