PhD Position: Lidar-Based Minute-Scale Power Forecasting of Offshore Wind Farms ForWind - Center for Wind Energy Research in Germany

This PhD position at the Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, hosted by ForWind – Center for Wind Energy Research, focuses on the analysis and development of lidar-based minute-scale power forecasting for offshore wind farms. As the share of renewable energy in the global energy system increases, the need for accurate, continuous power forecasts becomes critical for grid stability, cost reduction, and efficient electricity trading. The research leverages scanning Doppler wind lidars to characterize wind inflow several kilometers ahead of offshore wind farms, enabling reliable forecasting of wind turbine power for up to 30 minutes and the prediction of wind ramps—sudden changes in wind speed or direction that are crucial for operational planning.

The successful candidate will process large datasets by integrating lidar measurements, meteorological information, and operational wind farm data. The role involves developing, implementing, and validating forecasting algorithms, including physics-based and physics-informed machine learning approaches, for real-time applications. Additional responsibilities include analyzing uncertainty in input data and forecasts, developing methods to mitigate these uncertainties, supporting offshore measurement campaigns, and presenting scientific results at international conferences and through peer-reviewed publications. Collaboration with researchers at ForWind, Fraunhofer IWES, and other industrial and academic partners is integral to the position.

The WindLab at Oldenburg offers a modern research environment with opportunities for flexible and mobile work. The university supports the PhD pathway through multidisciplinary cooperation, direct industry collaboration, a PhD network, optional secondments at international research institutes, and structured supervision. Personal, scientific, and teaching skills are developed through an individual training program and selected teaching tasks. The university fosters a family-friendly environment, offering a family service center and on-campus daycare.

Funding is provided according to the TV-L E13 collective agreement for a 75% position, initially limited to three years. Benefits include secure remuneration, 30 days vacation, company pension scheme, further training opportunities, flexible working hours, health management, mobile working, and compatibility of career and family. The university is committed to increasing the percentage of female employees in science and encourages applications from women and individuals with disabilities, who will be given preference in case of equal qualification.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree in Physical Science, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, Renewable Energy, or equivalent. Required skills include experience in handling and analyzing large datasets, statistical analysis, measurement techniques, uncertainty estimation, forecasting methods, machine learning, and Python programming. High motivation, teamwork ability, and fluency in English are essential.

Wind energy research at Oldenburg is internationally recognized, with integration into ForWind and the national Wind Energy Research Alliance. The Research Laboratory for Turbulence and Wind Energy Systems brings together 50 researchers from physics, meteorology, and engineering, focusing on wind physics, turbulence modeling, and wind farm control. Facilities include wind tunnels, free-field measurement equipment, and a high-performance computing cluster. Projects often combine laboratory, field, and simulation analyses, with multi-lidar systems playing a key role.

To apply, submit your application as a single PDF (motivation letter, CV, transcripts, diplomas, references) by 31.01.2026 to [email protected], referencing #AP125. Optionally, include a second PDF with your Master’s Thesis and relevant research papers. For questions, contact Prof. Dr. Martin Kühn at [email protected]. Further details about the research group and environment can be found at ForWind and Wind Energy Systems.