Postdoctoral researcher in wind turbine dynamics and lifetime prediction

Information about the division and the research 
The division of Dynamics at the Departmeent of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences is seeking a new postdoctoral researcher in the area of wind turbine dynamics. The research will be conducted within the project "Site-Adaptive Analysis Methods to Predict and Enhance Lifetime of Wind Turbines" and is funded by Swedish Energy Agency and industrial partners via Swedish Wind Power Technology Center (SWPTC). The inteded outcome will lead to more cost-efficient operation of wind turbines and therby contribute to a more sustainable energy production in Sweden.

The aim of your research project will be to develop methods for evaluating wind turbine operation with emphasis on predicting lifetime on drive train components (bearings, gears, etc.). Hence, you will consider the sequence “from wind to fatigue life”, and by simulation investigate how the site-specific conditions (terrain, forest, etc.) affect the fatigue life of turbine drive trains. Your project is part of a larger effort to develop simulation tools to assess the effect from terrain, such as topography on wind turbine operation. The research is carried out within the Swedish Wind Power Technology Center (SWPTC) toghether with industrial partners.

The department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2) has about 300 employees and consists of seven research divisions within the areas of mechanical engineering and maritime sciences: Dynamics, Fluid Dynamics, Vehicle Safety, Vehicle Engineering & Autonomous Systems, Combustion and Propulsion Systems. Marine Technology, Maritime Studies. The seven divisions conduct fundamental and applied research in close collaboration with national and international universities and industries. The department also offers and contributes to bachelor and masters programs in areas such as Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering and Marine Engineering. M2 is characterized by an international environment with employees and students from around the world.

The division of Dynamics has about 10 faculty members and 10 PhD students where the research activities are canalized via our research groups: Mechanical systems, Structural dynamics, Wave propagation, and Railway mechanics. The research focuses on various solid dynamics problems, especially vibrational problems but also other fields such as fatigue, wear, contact mechanics, wave propagation, optimization and dynamics of smart material. The projects range from basic to applied research, and includes theoretical modelling, numerical methods and experimental activities. Experiments are performed at the department's laboratory space "Vibrations and Smart Structures Lab" and through field measurements. As to our teaching activities, we provide several courses on bachelor level within mechanics and solid mechanics. At the masters' level, courses are given within the finite element method, rigid body dynamics, structural dynamics, fatigue and fracture mechanics.

The details of the departmental research activities may be found here.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibility will be to pursue the research and development within the project. You are expected to develop your own scientific ideas and concepts, and to communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing. You will be guided by senior researchers from the research group Mechanical Systems at the division of Dynamics and collaborate with academic and industrial project partners.

The position also includes teaching on undergraduate or/and master's levels as well as supervising master's and/or PhD students to a certain extent. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry/the public sector.

Position summary
The position is a full-time temporary employment with a competitive salary and with social benefits. It is limited to a maximum of two years, starting with a one-year employment, followed by an evaluation. If the work is proceeding sufficiently well the employment will be extended for a second year.

Qualifications
To qualify as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the current project, you must have a PhD degree in a relevant field and your PhD degree must be from another university than Chalmers. The PhD degree should generally not be older than three years.

You have a strong interest in Solid mechanics and Dynamics modeling and simulation and experience from Wind Turbine Dynamics,. You like to work in interdisciplinary projects and you have the ability to discuss and communicate your work with people of different backgrounds. We also believe that you are a motivated person, with a strong curiosity and a genuine wish to learn more and develop your skills and knowledge further in the fields of research, research communication and project management.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20190484 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 31 October 2019

For questions, please contact:
Associate Professor, Håkan Johansson, Dynamics, hakan.johansson@chalmers.se, 031-772 8575
Professor, Viktor Berbyuk, Dynamics, viktor.berbyuk@chalmers.se, 031-772 1516

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***