The position is attached to the TAILWIND project which is a research project led by NGI and funded by the European Union. The overall objective of TAILWIND is to develop sustainable station-keeping system technologies for floating offshore wind farms. The topic for this post-doctoral position is advancing the knowledge of anchoring systems and their relevant soil behaviour through soil element testing and numerical analysis.
 

The candidate will be responsible for characterising the cyclic soil and soil-anchor interface behaviour through soil element tests, incorporating the element test results into constitutive models and, on the base of that, conducting advanced numerical modelling to be validated against centrifuge test data. The centrifuge test data will be provided by other partners of the TAILWIND project. The research aims to produce results that can support the development of a design framework that can predict the anchors' behaviour for relevant limit states and provide safe, sustainable, and cost-effective anchor solutions for future commercial scale floating offshore wind farms.


The successful completion of this post-doctoral research is anticipated to yield significant contributions to the field of offshore wind turbine foundation engineering, with the following expected outcomes:

1. Element tests: Establish a database of interpreted soil tests relevant for the failure mechanism of floating offshore wind anchors
2. Numerical models: Create numerical models that can investigate the governing mechanical responses of soil and soil-anchor interface under long-term cyclic loading
3. Design framework: Formulate a simple and practical procedure to size anchors for shared and single station-keeping systems
    

Competence needs

The candidate must have a PhD in the field of geotechnical engineering, with a demonstrated interest in offshore wind turbine foundation design. The most important competencies for this position are (i) running and interpreting soil element tests (mainly direct simple shear tests) and (ii) improving and calibrating soil constitutive models and performing numerical analysis (e.g. FEM). Extensive expertise on both or either of the two competencies is a requirement. Moreover, experience in one or more of the following topics will be positively valued:

• Scripting and programming (e.g. Python)
• Mooring line-foundation interaction
• Sustainable structures

 
Eligibility criteria
The qualification requirements include the following:

• A PhD degree within geotechnical engineering
• Extensive expertise on (i) preparing, running and interpreting soil element tests and/or (ii) improving and calibrating soil constitutive models and performing numerical analysis
• Good knowledge in offshore foundations for renewable energy structures
• Excellent technical writing and strong communication skills in English
• The candidate will be asked to demonstrate his/her analytical skills and ability for scientific work by a good publication record. Success in the position also requires strong motivation to work in a European research project, as well as ability to work as a part of a multidisciplinary research group

Applicants currently enrolled in a PhD programme who expect to pursue the PhD degree before the date of appointment must forward documentation for the date of their final exam.

Benefits

NGI offers an attractive salary and good benefits. Through its long and well renowned expertise and reputation, NGI offers an excellent environment for professional development in both research and consultancy in an active, inspiring and very good work environment.
You will work in close contact with researchers at NGI, and all other partners in TAILWIND.

The Application process

Please submit your application before April 12, 2024 via the application link.

Position start date: September 2024
Duration: 2 years
 

Submission must include: 

• Cover Letter: A maximum of two A4 pages, highlighting your specific interest in the position, your qualifications, and motivations for applying. This letter should clearly articulate how your background and experiences align with the requirements of this project
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV): The CV, should include, if applicable, a list of publications
• Bachelor and Master transcripts
• Contact Details of Referees: Provide the names and contact information of individuals who can professionally vouch for your qualifications and suitability for this position