Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Modelling of Tidal Energy Systems

We are seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Assistant to join the
Environmental Fluid Mechanics research group at the Department of Engineering
Science (central Oxford). The post is funded by the EPSRC and is fixed-term
for 3 years with the possibility of extension.





The role is to lead the development of integrated whole system design models
of tidal stream turbines for renewable power generation. You will work on the
recently announced EPSRC-funded programme CoTide that is developing whole
system engineering models and innovative designs for tidal energy systems. The
CoTide project team brings together world-leading centres at the Universities
of Oxford, Edinburgh, Strathclyde and Sheffield. CoTide’s team of around 35
researchers and academics will develop holistic integrated models covering all
aspects of tidal stream turbine design that will help to reduce costs and
support innovation to accelerate technology development and deployment for the
tidal stream industry.



The role is in model development and integration and you will work with the
entire programme team and the programme’s industry partners to develop whole
system engineering tools that can be used to model the complex interactions
between the system hydrodynamics, structural mechanics and component fatigue.
Using the developed models you will explore how design and control of system
operation can be used to balance design and performance objectives. Through
optimisation and machine learning techniques, you will use control co-design
to understand, test sensitivity to, and optimise around key design drivers and
objectives, leading to the development of optimal design solutions for
different environments and objectives.





You should possess a relevant PhD (or be near completion) in Engineering or a
related discipline, have a strong background and relevant experience in fluid
mechanics, and possess excellent communication skills.





Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof. Willden (email:
Richard.willden@eng.ox.ac.uk)





For more information about working at the Department, see
www.eng.ox.ac.uk/about/work-with-us/





Only online applications received before midday on **8** **th January 2024**
can be considered. You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting
statement, including a brief statement of research interests (describing how
past experience and future plans fit with the advertised position), CV and the
details of two referees as part of your online application.



The Department holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment
to promoting women in Science, Engineering and Technology.





Tidal energy, offshore renewable energy, fluid mechanics, system modelling,
optimisation.