PDRA - Atmospheric and Inter-farm Aerodynamics of Multi-gigawatt Wind Farms

Working at Durham University  

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We want our university to be a place where people can be free to be themselves, no matter what their identity or background. Together, we celebrate difference, value one another and are each responsible for creating an inclusive community that is respectful and fair for all.

Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our Why Join Us? - Information Page

The Role and Department

This role sits at the exciting intersection of the Department of Engineering and the Department of Mathematical Sciences. Engineering and Mathematical Sciences at Durham are both consistently ranked among the UK's top departments in 2026, with Engineering placed 5th in the Complete University Guide and 6th in the Guardian University Guide, and Mathematical Sciences ranked 3rd in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide and 5th in both the Complete University Guide and the Guardian University Guide. This role offers a unique opportunity to work on a highly interdisciplinary project. You will be joining a dynamic and supportive research environment that actively encourages innovation and collaboration, with full support for hybrid and flexible working arrangements.

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on a major EPSRC-funded project: Atmospheric and Inter-farm Aerodynamics of Multi-gigawatt Wind Farms. This project is a collaboration between Durham University and Imperial College London, supported by a world-class international advisory board including The Crown Estate, Equinor, DNV, ORE Catapult, DTU, NREL, Addlewshaw Goddard LLP and universities of Oxford, Surrey and Manchester.

As multi-gigawatt offshore wind farms expand globally, their enormous wakes extend for tens of kilometres, triggering unprecedented "wake disputes" between neighbouring wind farms. This challenge is further complicated at the multi-gigawatt scale by a newly emerging phenomenon: the ability of these massive farms to generate atmospheric gravity waves, leading to highly complex, two-way interactions between the wakes and the overlying atmosphere. While the wider project combines both experimental and computational tools, this position at Durham University focuses on the numerical and mathematical modelling of these complex atmospheric phenomena.

This is a multifaceted research role that draws on mathematical modelling, high-fidelity numerical simulation, and close experimental collaboration. Working alongside our partners at Imperial College London, you will integrate your mathematical models and computational results with their complementary experimental wind-tunnel and water-flume data. Leveraging your strong background in high-fidelity simulations and mathematical modelling, you will use these combined datasets to develop a new generation of mathematically rigorous, physics-based reduced-order models. These novel models and parameterisations will ultimately be integrated into meso-scale weather models to aid in the design and performance prediction of future multi-gigawatt offshore wind installations. This is an exciting opportunity for a researcher with strong computational and mathematical expertise to work at the forefront of renewable energy and de-risk the next generation of offshore wind projects.

Key responsibilities:

·         To develop mathematically rigorous, physics-based reduced-order models for multi-gigawatt wind farm aerodynamics.

·         To conduct advanced high-fidelity simulations of complex atmospheric boundary layers and wind farm flows.

·         To use and parameterise weather mesoscale models to predict large-scale wake interactions and gravity wave effects.

·         To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that lead to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.

·         To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.

·         To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.

·         To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.

·         To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.

·         To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.

·         To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.

·         To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.

·         To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.

·         To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.

·         To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.

·         To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.

·         To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.

·         To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.   

The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.

This post is fixed term for three and a half years, given the nature of the funding. Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by 1^st February 2027; however, alternative start dates can be discussed.

Working at Durham 

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:

·         You’ll receive 30 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 42 days per year. The University closes between Christmas and New Year.

·         We offer a generous pension scheme, and as a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).

·         No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered.  We have ample parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. You can also take advantage of our cost-effective and environmentally friendly Tusker Car Benefit Scheme, allowing you to lease a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle with savings on tax and National Insurance.

·         We have a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally.  There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University.  All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.

·         We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.

·         Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16.

·         Our family-friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).

·         We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.

·         You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.

·         Various salary sacrifice schemes are also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.

·         If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs, and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools.  If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest-free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.

Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion

Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key component of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our Purpose and Values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive.

We welcome and encourage applications from those who are currently under-represented in our work force, including people with disabilities and from racially minoritised ethnic groups.

If you have taken a career break or periods of leave that may have impacted on the volume and recency of your research outputs and other activities, such as maternity, adoption or parental leave, you may wish to disclose this in your application. The selection committee will take this into account when evaluating your application.

The University has been awarded the Disability Confident Leader status. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role. 

Contact Information 

Department contact for academic-related enquiries 

Department of Engineering, Dr. Majid Bastankhah majid.bastankhah@durham.ac.uk

Department of Mathematical Sciences, Dr. Hossein Kafiabad hossein.amini-kafiabad@durham.ac.uk

Contact information for technical difficulties when submitting your application 

If you encounter technical difficulties when using the online application form, we prefer you send enquiries by email.  Please send your name along with a brief description of the problem you’re experiencing to fos.recruitment@durham.ac.uk 

How to Apply  

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification below. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria.  

While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.  

Submitting your application 

We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.

What to Submit 

All applicants are asked to submit: 

• Your CV
• A cover letter which details your experience, skills, and achievements in meeting (or the potential to meet) the essential criteria within the person specification of the job description.

Next Steps 

Short-listed candidates will be invited to the University, either virtually or in-person and will have the opportunity to meet key members of the Department. The assessment for the post will normally include a presentation to staff and students in the Department followed by an interview and we anticipate that the assessments and interviews will take place over two days around a date to be confirmed. 

In the event that you are unable to attend in person on the date offered, it may not be possible to offer you an interview on an alternative date. 

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Job Applicants/Potential Job Applicants - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.

Person Specification 

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

1.    A good first degree in Engineering, Physics or Applied mathematics.

2.    A PhD (or be close to submission) in Wind energy, Atmospheric science, geophysical fluid dynamics or a closely related subject.

Experience

3.    Experience in conducting high quality academic research.

4.    Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly ranked journals.

5.    Demonstrable ability to present research papers at national and international conferences and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community.

6.    Experience in numerical and reduced-order modelling of atmospheric flows or other similar turbulent flows. 

Skills

7.    Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.

8.    Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines.

9.    Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Desirable Criteria

Experience

10.  Experience in high-fidelity simulations (e.g., LES) of wind farm flows or similar high Reynolds turbulent flows.

11.  Experience in mathematical reduced-order modelling of multiscale flows.

12.  Experience in weather meso-scale modelling.

13.  Experience in studying wake flows and gravity wave dynamics

14.  Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career.

15.  A track record of presenting research at conferences, symposia, or meetings, commensurate with stage of career.

16.  Demonstrable ability to develop research proposals and designs in collaboration with other academics.

17.  Experience of overseeing students with respect to the development of their practical/research skills e.g. acting as a demonstrator; supervising student projects/practical.

Skills

18.  Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research.