Research Associate in Modelling Tidal Turbine Arrays

The post is supported by funding through the EPSRC Supergen Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Impact Hub (2023-2027, https://supergen-ore.net/) and a University of Manchester UKRI Impact Accelerator Award (IAA) in collaboration with Atlantis Resources Ltd. (Scotland). Within the ORE Impact Hub the successful candidate will contribute principally to the Modelling workstream with a focus on prediction of tidal stream turbine array performance accounting for wakes. Activities will include high-fidelity modelling of complex unsteady flows representative of tidal stream sites and interaction with tidal stream turbine arrays. This will be driven by analysis of field measurement data and will inform experimental studies and model developments to improve confidence in model predictions of power performance and turbine fatigue loading across the spatial extent of tidal stream sites.

The main tasks will be to analyse the complex flows that occur across tidal stream sites and the interaction of these flows with large turbine arrays to predict array power performance and turbine design loading. This will involve extension and application of high-fidelity numerical models, analysis of site-specific measurement data, and development of engineering models for array performance. Simulations will be undertaken for representative sites and array layouts to facilitate model evaluation relative to data from measurement campaigns. This work will include use of in-house CFD models (RANS or LES) as well as drawing on datasets generated from wider-area resource modelling. Boundary conditions will be further developed to predict spatially varying flows across the site area. Load prediction models will also be applied to inform siting and turbine design within arrays.

As this role involves research at a postgraduate level, applicants who are not an EEA national or a national of an exempt country and who will require sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route of the UK Visas and Immigration’s (UKVI) Points Based System in order to take up the role, will be required to apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate and will need to obtain this prior to making any official visa application UKVI)

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status.  All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.           

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Professor Tim Stallard 

Email: tim.stallard@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.

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