Madeleine Gibescu

This PhD position at Utrecht University focuses on the development of scalable offshore floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems, a promising technology for expanding solar power generation without competing for land use. The project aims to create a robust, physics-based modelling framework specifically tailored to offshore FPV systems, addressing technical, environmental, and system integration challenges. Key responsibilities include developing digital models to predict FPV performance under offshore conditions, studying floater stability, system losses, degradation mechanisms, and energy yield estimation in real environments. The candidate will build a digital library of validated FPV components and environmental datasets, investigate grid connection options such as cable pooling and hybrid renewable energy plant strategies (e.g., FPV combined with offshore wind and storage), and validate models using offshore datasets and lab-scale experiments. Collaboration with ongoing projects and participation in international networks like IEA PVPS and ETIP PV are integral to the role. The successful applicant will also develop optimisation algorithms to ensure the techno-economic feasibility of FPV systems and disseminate research through publications and conferences. The position is based in the Faculty of Geosciences, Department of Sustainable Development, offering access to excellent resources, synergistic projects, and a supportive interdisciplinary environment. The appointment is for one year, extendable to four years upon successful assessment, with the intent to complete a doctorate. The salary ranges from €3,059 to €3,881 per month, plus holiday pay, year-end bonus, pension scheme, and flexible employment terms. Applicants must have a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Energy Science, with strong analytical skills in mathematics and physics, experience in PV system modelling, hydrodynamics, programming (Python, MATLAB), and CFD tools (COMSOL, Autodesk CFD), or willingness to learn. Excellent English communication and teamwork skills are required. Utrecht University values diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from candidates of all backgrounds. To apply, submit a motivation letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact details of two referees via the university’s job portal by 30 November 2025.

Utrecht University is offering a fully funded PhD position focused on scalable offshore floating photovoltaic (PV) systems. The project aims to develop robust, physics-based models to predict and optimize the performance of floating PV systems under real offshore conditions, including wave dynamics, albedo effects, and system heat transfer. The research will also explore hybrid renewable energy setups, such as combining offshore PV with wind and storage, particularly in the North Sea context. The successful candidate will build a digital library of validated offshore FPV components and environmental datasets, investigate grid connection options, and develop optimization algorithms for techno-economic feasibility. The position is based in the Department of Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geosciences, and offers access to excellent resources, collaborations with industry and international networks, and participation in Utrecht University’s doctoral training and professional development programs. Applicants should have a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Energy Science, with strong skills in modelling, simulation, and programming (Python, MATLAB). Experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and a willingness to learn new tools are important. The position offers a gross monthly salary between €3,059 and €3,881, plus holiday and year-end bonuses, pension, and flexible employment terms. The application deadline is 30 November 2025. For more information, contact Dr Sara Golroodbari or Professor Madeleine Gibescu at Utrecht University.