"Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Floating Offshore Wind"

We are seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Assistant to join the Environmental Fluid Mechanics Group at the Department of Engineering Science, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PJ. The post is externally funded by the Supergen ORE Hub and is fixed-term for 1 year in the first instance with the possibility for an extension.

The successful applicant will join a research project on floating offshore wind energy. This role focuses on the aerodynamic modelling of floating wind turbines and their dynamic response under realistic wind and wave conditions. You will conduct high-fidelity CFD simulations of floating turbines represented using an actuator-line approach, assess the applicability and limitations of reduced-order models in predicting turbine performance, and develop machine-learning surrogate models capable of reproducing aerodynamic loads in real time for physical experiments. The project combines numerical modelling, data-driven methods, and laboratory experimentation to advance next-generation real-time hybrid testing methodologies for physical modelling of deep-water offshore wind turbines.

You should hold a relevant PhD (or be near completion) and have a strong publication history. A strong background in computational fluid dynamics and wind turbine fluid mechanics together with the ability to understand the aerodynamics of wind energy generation and floating body dynamics is essential.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Emma Edwards (email: emma.edwards@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 the 4th March 2026 can be considered. You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, including a brief statement of research interests (describing how past experience and future plans fit with the selection criteria of the advertised position), CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

Interviews are scheduled for the week commencing the 15th March 2026.

The Department holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting women in Science, Engineering and Technology.

Contact Person: Dr Emma Edwards | Vacancy ID: 184813 | Closing Date & Time: 04-Mar-2026 12:00 | Pay Scale: RESEARCH GRADE 7 | Contact Email: emma.edwards@eng.ox.ac.uk | Salary (£): Grade 7: £39,424 - £47,779 per annum (Inclusive of Oxford University Weighting)