PhD on Meso–micro High-Fidelity Wind-Farm Emulation KU Leuven in Belgium

A PhD position is available at KU Leuven in Belgium, hosted by the Turbulent Flow Simulation and Optimization (TFSO) research group in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and co-supervised by Prof. Nicole van Lipzig from Earth and Environmental Sciences. The project is led by Prof. Johan Meyers and forms part of the ERC Advanced Grant “Real-time optimal control of wind-farm atmosphere interaction (REALTOWIND)”. The work sits at the intersection of wind-energy research, fluid dynamics, atmospheric science, and high-performance simulation.

The research aims to develop a high-fidelity wind-farm control emulator by coupling large-eddy simulations, aeroelastic turbine models, and meso-scale weather models. The goal is to enable realistic wind-farm control scenarios across a wide range of atmospheric conditions. A key part of the project is designing efficient coupling techniques that bridge time scales from hours down to milliseconds. These methods will be used to evaluate and compare wind-farm control strategies and to support the planning of field campaigns where the effects of control actions need to be quantified despite atmospheric uncertainty and the lack of a perfect uncontrolled baseline.

The position is fully research-focused but includes about 10% teaching duties. It lasts for four years and is based at KU Leuven. The remuneration follows standard KU Leuven rates and is described as generous, with a net monthly salary of about €2400 plus social security, and automatic inflation adjustment under Belgian law.

Applicants should have a master’s degree in a relevant area such as fluid mechanics, aerospace engineering, mathematical engineering, mechanical engineering, or computational physics. Strong interest or experience in wind energy, fluid mechanics, simulation, and programming languages such as Fortran, C/C++, or Python is expected. English proficiency is required, and candidates are encouraged to include language test evidence. The call emphasizes equal opportunity and an inclusive research environment.

Applications should be submitted through the KU Leuven online application platform. Email applications are not accepted. Candidates should provide a CV, diplomas and transcripts, a statement of research interests and career goals, a sample of technical writing, at least one recommendation letter if available, at least two additional references with contact details, and preferably proof of English proficiency. The application deadline is 2026-10-01, with an immediate start possible and preferably no later than 2027-02-01.