Post Doctoral Research Associate – Wind Energy Control

Heriot-Watt University Student Union

. Conduct and disseminate original research aligned with the CONFORMABLE project .

Posted 10/5/2026full-timeEdinburgh • United KingdomJuniorMid-Level💰 £37,694 - £47,389 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in conducting original research in renewable energy technologies, with a strong focus on optimisation and control of offshore wind turbine systems. Proficient in project management, collaboration, and effective communication within academic and industrial settings.

Highest-signal resume keywords

PhD In Relevant DisciplineExperience In Optimisation And Control Of Renewable Energy DevicesExperience Researching Renewable Energy TechnologiesProgramming Languages: Python And MATLABProject Management Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Research MethodologyData AnalysisWind Turbine Controller DevelopmentFatigue Life AnalysisLoad QuantificationAsymmetric Inflow AnalysisLevelised Cost Of Energy OptimisationInterdisciplinary Application Of Physics And Engineering TheoryAcademic Publication WritingTeaching Support

Soft Skills

Self-MotivationIndependent WorkExcellent Oral CommunicationExcellent Written CommunicationInterpersonal Skills

Industry Keywords

Offshore Wind TurbinesRenewable EnergyProject DeliverablesCollaborationResearch NetworksWorkshopsWebinarsHackathonsImpact ActivitiesFunded Research Projects

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Conduct and disseminate original research aligned with the CONFORMABLE project
Quantify impacts of partial wakes and asymmetric inflow phenomena on offshore wind turbine main-bearing loads, fatigue life, wear and maintenance
Develop wind turbine controllers improving main-bearing loads, fatigue life, wear rate and maintenance requirements
Develop wind farm controllers that optimise Levelised Cost of Energy impacts by accounting for main-bearing failure costs
Work with Dr Stock, the project team, University of Strathclyde collaborators and industrial partners
Ensure timely completion of project deliverables in line with the project plan
Contribute to workshops, webinars, hackathons and other outreach and impact activities
Prepare, write and submit academic publications
Present research at academic and industrial conferences
Develop internal and external research networks and collaborations
Make routine decisions to manage project deliverables and deadlines

Requirements

What you’ll need

PhD in relevant discipline
1st class undergraduate degree, preferably in Physics
Experience researching renewable energy technologies
Experience in optimisation and control of renewable energy devices
Experience working within a larger project team on funded research projects
Evidence of good project management skills
Evidence of self-motivation and ability to work independently
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to apply physics and engineering theory in an interdisciplinary manner
Excellent interpersonal skills
Experience supporting teaching activities
Experience in programming languages including Python and MATLAB

Benefits

Comp & perks

33 days annual leave
9 building closure days
Christmas Eve off when it falls on a weekday
Equality, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing-focused working environment
Total rewards and employee benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University