<!-- ko if: isJobTitleVisible --> PhD scholarship in Robust operation of Airborne Wind Energy Systems in transient, low-, and high-wind speed conditions - DTU Wind <!-- /ko --> <!-- ko if: isAlreadyAppliedVisible --><!-- /ko -->

The AWETRAIN project, funded by the European Union's Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, invites applications for a PhD candidate position dedicated to advancing the development of airborne wind energy systems (AWES). This collaborative doctoral position is industrially hosted by the Norwegian AWES company Kitemill (24-30 months) and also DTU (6-12 months). This fully-funded 3-year PhD position integrates academic research with industrial challenges, providing a robust foundation for a career in renewable energy technology. ‍The position offers a unique opportunity to join a leading-edge multidisciplinary research network, which is focused on developing sustainable energy solutions through airborne wind power and designed to empower the project PhD’s to navigate the quickly changing landscape of Europe’s ‘green transition’ to clean energy.

You will work on cutting-edge research tasks, with objectives including

• new algorithms and strategies to improve autonomous Airborne Wind Energy (AWE) operation across conditions (weak, strong, and highly transient winds),

    ▫ increasing production per conditions;

    ▫ increasing system resilience, efficiency, and safety;

• sense & characterize relevant transients and extreme flight path conditions (e.g. shear),

    ▫ extend control system to address these; 

• minimize practical cut-in wind speeds (maximize production in high price conditions),

    ▫ adjusting for strong low-speed transients, enhancing flight path and controls;

    ▫ considering reliable flight (per energy capture) in weak wind operation; 

• address challenges in high winds, 

    ▫ via path, control, & design changes to survive transients without exceeding load limits;

    ▫ maximizing cut-out wind speed(s); 

Key aspects include

• observing & inferring usable flow field quantities via the AWES device;
• trajectory optimization;
• variable looping (flight path) diameter;
• determining necessary degree of flow field characterization and impact;
• ground-tether (azimuth) angle, and automatic elevation angle changes;
• active angle-of-attack control;
• winch-kite interactions; 
• testing and experimental validation of algorithms through flight tests with Kitemill.

The primary host, Kitemill, is a frontrunner in the development and deployment of tethered airborne wind energy systems that operate at heights well beyond conventional wind turbines, exploiting stronger and more consistent wind resources to generate clean, renewable energy.

Responsibilities and qualifications

• Conduct original research on AWES flow environment, control systems, & simulation.
• Develop & validate AWES models for flight dynamics and energy harvesting efficiency.
• Participate in regular project meetings, workshops, and conferences, actively collaborating with AWETRAIN doctoral candidates & contributing to joint deliverables.
• Publish results in high-impact journals & present findings at international conferences.
• Engage in the AWETRAIN Doctoral Network’s training & networking activities, to develop a well-rounded skill set for academia and industry.

Eligibility requirements include

• Master’s-level in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Control Engineering, Wind Energy, or a closely related field.
• Strong background in control theory, fluid dynamics, structural mechanics, or similar relevant areas.
• Demonstrated programming skills (e.g., MATLAB, Python) for model development and simulation.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal.
• Mobility requirement: Candidates must have resided or carried out their main activities (work, studies, etc.) outside of Norway for at least 2 of the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date, per MSCA rules.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with wind energy systems, kite dynamics, or similar, in renewable energy.
• Knowledge of Julia, plus other computational modelling tools (e.g., ANSYS, Simulink) 
• Knowledge of \ experience with flight control.
• Strong analytical skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of an international team.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education . 

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information
May be obtained from Espen Oland eo@kitemill.com  as well as Mark Kelly MKEL@dtu.dk . 

You can read more about DTU Wind  at wind.dtu.dk .

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 31 May 2025 (23:59 Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• Contact information for at least two academic or professional references

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

• Job Identification 5020
• Job Category Phd
• Posting Date 04/08/2025, 03:52 AM
• Apply Before 05/31/2025, 05:59 PM
• Locations Frederiksborgvej 399, Roskilde, 4000, DK