Postdoctoral Researcher in Atmospheric Sciences for Wind Energy

~ The National Wind Technology Center (NWTC) at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is the nation’s premier wind energy, water power, and grid integration research facility. ~

Wind energy research at the NWTC has pioneered wind turbine components, systems, and modeling methods that have driven the industry’s acceleration over the past 40 years. Research into land-based, offshore, and distributed wind includes:

• Analyzing offshore wind energy needs in the United States
• Designing, researching, and validating advanced wind power plant control systems
• Developing computer-aided engineering tools to support distributed and small wind development.

Position Overview

The National Wind Technology Center is seeking a post doc to contribute to the wind resource characterization research program focused on development and application of new resource methodologies and technologies for use by the wind industry. The program includes examination of atmospheric processes over a range of scales from mesoscale to microscale that influence wind energy systems using both computational modeling and field deployed observational systems.

This post doc is expected to demonstrate a broad understanding and wide application of atmospheric principles, theories, and concepts, in particular in the area of remote sensing and measurements. A general knowledge of wind energy related disciplines and applications is an advantage.

The successful candidate will have excellent writing, interpersonal and communication skills. The candidate will be expected to publish results in technical journals/conference proceedings and presenting work at conferences, symposia, and review meetings.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will primarily focus on wind, and will collaborate with other NREL staff to carry out research in the following areas:

• Development, deployment, and validation of atmospheric observation systems including new remote sensing technologies
• Research of the next generation models that bridge the mesoscale and microscale for estimation of short and long-term energy production.

Qualifications

Required Education, Experience, and Skills:

• Must be a recent PhD graduate within the last 3 years.

Preferred Qualifications:

The preferred candidate will have:

• A strong expertise in atmospheric observational platforms and data analysis techniques for tower based instrumentation and remote sensing.
• Experience with atmospheric modeling tools such as WRF, and validation thereof.
• Familiarity with wind forecasting and energy assessment processes, including the data analysis and uncertainty processes.
• Candidates with engineering backgrounds but strong knowledge of atmospheric science are also encouraged to apply.

To Apply

Please click "Apply on Company Website" below. Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

~ NREL is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. NREL promotes a work environment that does not discriminate against workers or job applicants and prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, ancestry, actual or perceived sexual orientation, or veteran status, including special disabled veterans. ~