The University of Oldenburg is now accepting applications for an exciting PhD Research Assistant (f/m/d) position in Multi-Objective Wind Farm Control. This opportunity is ideal for graduates who are passionate about renewable energy, control engineering, wind turbine technologies, and intelligent energy systems.

The position offers aspiring researchers the opportunity to pursue a PhD while contributing to internationally recognized research in wind energy. Successful applicants will join one of Europe’s leading wind energy research environments and work alongside experts developing next-generation wind farm control technologies.

If you are looking for a fully supported doctoral research opportunity in Germany with excellent career development, competitive salary, and access to world-class research facilities, this position deserves serious consideration.

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About the Research Position

Wind energy has become one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources worldwide. However, modern wind farms face increasingly complex operational challenges.

Instead of simply producing maximum electricity, today’s wind farms must also:

• Maximize energy production
• Improve power grid stability
• Reduce structural stress on turbines
• Increase operational efficiency
• Extend wind farm lifetime
• Adapt to changing environmental conditions

To address these challenges, the University of Oldenburg is recruiting a PhD researcher who will design advanced control algorithms capable of balancing multiple objectives simultaneously.

The successful candidate will contribute to innovative research that supports cleaner, smarter, and more reliable renewable energy systems.

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Your Research Responsibilities

As a PhD Research Assistant, your primary focus will be developing intelligent control strategies for wind turbines and entire wind farms.

Your research activities will include:

• Designing advanced wind turbine control algorithms
• Developing multi-objective wind farm controllers
• Improving power generation efficiency
• Supporting electrical grid integration
• Reducing structural loads on wind turbines
• Performing numerical simulations
• Participating in wind tunnel experiments
• Contributing to field validation studies
• Working closely with researchers specializing in:
  • Wind farm control
  • High-fidelity simulations
  • Wind inflow modelling
  • Estimation techniques

In addition to research, you will also assist with selected teaching activities and departmental organization.

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Choose Between Two Research Projects

Applicants will contribute to one of two major research projects depending on their academic background and interests.

Project A: Loads-Aware Wind Farm Control

This project focuses on optimizing wind farm performance while minimizing structural loads.

Research topics include:

• Multi-objective wind farm control
• Adaptive control algorithms
• Operational optimization
• Lifetime value optimization
• Structural load reduction
• Changing operational objectives

The project aims to develop intelligent systems capable of adapting throughout the lifetime of a wind farm.

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Project B: Wind Farm Control in Complex Terrain

This project focuses on improving wind farm performance under challenging environmental conditions.

Research areas include:

• Wind turbine control in complex terrain
• Robust control under uncertainty
• Measurement uncertainty quantification
• Wind turbine and wind farm integration
• Enhanced grid integration
• Short-term and medium-term power boosting

Researchers will develop advanced solutions that improve reliability under real-world operating conditions.

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Why This PhD Opportunity Stands Out

The University of Oldenburg provides an outstanding research environment for doctoral students.

During your PhD journey, you will receive:

• Structured PhD supervision
• Personalized academic mentoring
• Individual training plans
• Teaching experience
• International networking opportunities
• Access to leading wind energy researchers
• Industry collaboration
• Opportunities for peer-reviewed publications
• Financial support for international conferences
• Optional research visits to international institutes

These opportunities significantly strengthen both academic and industrial career prospects.

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Work at the Modern WindLab

One of the highlights of this position is the opportunity to work in WindLab, one of Germany’s most advanced wind energy laboratories.

Researchers have access to:

• Modern laboratory facilities
• High-performance computing clusters
• Controlled wind tunnel experiments
• Utility-scale wind turbine testing
• Offshore and onshore measurement systems
• Advanced atmospheric flow simulations

This unique infrastructure enables researchers to combine theoretical modelling with real-world experimental validation.

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Collaboration with Leading Research Institutions

The successful candidate will collaborate with internationally respected research organizations, including:

• ForWind – Center for Wind Energy Research
• Fraunhofer IWES
• German Aerospace Center (DLR)
• European Academy of Wind Energy partners
• National and international university researchers
• Industrial partners in renewable energy

This collaborative environment provides exceptional networking opportunities throughout the PhD.

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Salary and Employment Details

The position is offered as a 75% Research Assistant appointment under Germany’s public sector salary agreement. Employment details include:

• Initial contract: 3 years
• Possible extension to 4 years
• Salary according to TV-L E13
• Paid doctoral research position
• Flexible and mobile working options

This arrangement allows researchers to complete their PhD while receiving a competitive salary and employment benefits.

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Employee Benefits

The University of Oldenburg offers an attractive employment package that supports both professional and personal development. Benefits include:

• Competitive public-sector salary
• 30 days of annual paid vacation
• Company pension scheme
• Flexible working hours
• Mobile working opportunities
• Professional development programs
• Health management services
• University Sports Centre
• Family-friendly workplace
• Childcare support
• On-campus daycare facilities
• Career and family compatibility initiatives

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should possess a strong academic background in engineering or renewable energy-related disciplines.

Essential Qualifications

Candidates must have:

• A Master’s degree in:
  • Control Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Physical Sciences
  • Wind Energy
  • Renewable Energy
  • Or an equivalent discipline
• Strong knowledge of control engineering
• Experience with Matlab or Python programming
• Excellent English communication skills
• Interest in numerical and experimental research
• High motivation for collaborative scientific research

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Preferred Qualifications

Although not mandatory, the following qualifications will strengthen your application:

• Experience in wind turbine dynamics
• Wind turbine control systems
• Wind farm control
• Wake interaction modelling
• Renewable energy research
• International academic or professional experience
• German language skills

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Research Environment

Wind energy research at the University of Oldenburg enjoys an outstanding international reputation through its integration with ForWind, one of Europe’s leading wind energy research centers.

Researchers work across several disciplines including:

• Physics
• Meteorology
• Mechanical Engineering
• Renewable Energy Engineering
• Atmospheric Science
• Computational Modelling

The research combines:

• Laboratory experiments
• Wind tunnel testing
• High-performance computing
• Field measurements
• Offshore wind farm studies
• Numerical simulations

Researchers also have direct access to the DLR research wind farm WiValdi, where full-scale wind turbine control experiments are conducted.

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Diversity and Equal Opportunity

The University of Oldenburg actively promotes equal opportunities in science. Female researchers are strongly encouraged to apply, and qualified women will receive preferential consideration where legally applicable. Applicants with disabilities will also receive preference when qualifications are equivalent.

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Required Application Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents in a single PDF (English or German):

• Motivation letter
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates
• Academic transcripts
• Employment references

Applicants may also submit a second PDF containing:

• Master’s thesis
• Published papers
• Relevant research work

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Application Deadline

Application Deadline: 11 August 2026

Applications submitted after the deadline may not be considered.

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How to Apply

Please submit your application electronically as one PDF file by 11.08.2026 to application.wesys@uni-oldenburg.de and include reference #ACA128. Prepare all required documents carefully before submission to maximize your chances of selection.

For questions regarding this job opportunity, please contact Prof. Dr. Martin Kühn at +49(0)441/798-5061 or preferably by email at martin.kuehn@uni-oldenburg.de.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this a fully funded PhD position?

Yes. The position is a paid Research Assistant appointment under the German TV-L E13 salary scale at 75% employment, allowing candidates to pursue their PhD while receiving a salary.

Where is the position located?

The position is based at the University of Oldenburg in Germany, with research conducted primarily at the advanced WindLab facilities.

What is the contract duration?

The initial appointment is for three years, with the intention of extending it to four years to support completion of the PhD.

Which academic backgrounds are eligible?

Applicants with a Master’s degree in Control Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physical Sciences, Wind Energy, Renewable Energy, or closely related fields are encouraged to apply.

Is programming experience required?

Yes. Candidates should have strong programming experience in at least MATLAB or Python.

Is prior wind energy research experience mandatory?

No. While experience in wind turbine control, wake interactions, or renewable energy is advantageous, it is considered a preferred qualification rather than a mandatory requirement.

Are international applicants eligible?

Yes. International candidates are welcome to apply, provided they meet the academic and language requirements.

Is English proficiency sufficient?

Yes. Very good English language skills are required. German language skills are beneficial but not mandatory.

What research facilities will PhD students access?

Researchers will have access to modern wind tunnels, high-performance computing resources, atmospheric simulation tools, free-field measurement systems, and the DLR WiValdi research wind farm.

What documents are required for the application?

Applicants should submit a motivation letter, CV, academic transcripts, degree certificates, and employment references. A second PDF containing a thesis or research publications may also be included as an optional attachment.