Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Tidal Stream Resource Assessment

Central Oxford

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 2 years with the possibility of extension.

The role is to lead the development of reduced order models for tidal stream energy yield assessment. 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 successful candidate will work on the tidal resource aspects of CoTide to understand the impacts that system design decisions have on farm-scale power production and feedbacks to the tidal stream resource. You will lead the development of reduced order models of tidal stream yield analysis that will interface with shallow water flow models and flow speed distribution models. You will work with other members of the programme team to understand and specify the interfaces between the yield models and the other engineering sub-models developed within CoTide. Additionally, you will analyse metocean data and develop criteria to characterise real and idealised tidal energy sites to support the development and analysis of different tidal system concepts within CoTide.

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 modelling for offshore engineering, have experience of using metocean data, and possess excellent communication skills.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof. Adcock (email: thomas.adcock@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 6th May 2024 can be considered. You will be required to upload a CV and a covering letter/supporting statement explaining how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience, 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.

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