In the framework of ongoing research on offshore wind turbine foundations, we are looking for a motivated postdoctoral researcher with a strong interest in experimental geotechnics, advanced soil characterization, and large-scale field testing. This opportunity is within the Hydraulics & Geotechnics Section, led by Prof. Georgios Anogiatis (known as George Anoyatis) at KU Leuven Campus Bruges.
The postdoctoral position is embedded within the research activities initiated in the SAGE-SAND project ("Soil ageing around offshore wind turbine foundations – from operational response to decommissioning") and continued in the EXCALIBUR (EXperimental and Computational Analysis of monopile extraction: Leveraging Innovation and Better Understanding for Renewable offshore wind energy) project. These projects, carried out in collaboration with several academic and industrial partners, aim to improve the understanding of the long-term behaviour of offshore monopile foundations, with particular emphasis on soil ageing, installation and decommissioning techniques, and the response of pile-soil systems under cyclic loading.
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Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for planning, conducting, and interpreting an extensive experimental programme on (offshore) foundation soils. The work includes standard geotechnical laboratory testing, advanced cyclic triaxial testing, and the interpretation of the obtained results to improve the understanding of soil behaviour under offshore loading conditions.
In addition, the postdoctoral researcher will play a leading role in the preparation, execution, and scientific coordination of large-scale monopile tests at the KU Leuven test site in Zeebrugge. This includes coordinating experimental campaigns, supervising instrumentation and data acquisition, interacting with project partners and technical staff, and ensuring the successful execution of the testing programme. The position offers a unique opportunity to combine advanced laboratory research with full-scale field experimentation within an internationally visible research programme.
Profile
- You hold a PhD degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a closely related discipline, with a research focus relevant to the objectives of this project. Your academic background includes a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Civil, Geotechnical or Mining Engineering, and a Master's degree with a specialization in Geotechnical Engineering, Soil Mechanics, or a related field.
- You have a strong background in experimental geotechnics and soil mechanics.
- You have experience with standard geotechnical laboratory testing and preferably with advanced laboratory testing techniques, such as cyclic triaxial testing. Experience with the planning, execution, or interpretation of large-scale field tests is considered an important asset.
- You are interested in understanding the behaviour of soils supporting offshore wind turbine foundations and enjoy combining laboratory experiments with field observations.
- You have strong analytical and organisational skills and are able to coordinate experimental activities involving multiple stakeholders.
- You enjoy working in a multidisciplinary and international research environment and are willing to collaborate closely with academic and industrial partners.
- Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken, are required.
Offer
- A 5-month full-time postdoctoral researcher position (doctor-assistant) at KU Leuven
- the opportunity to contribute to internationally recognised research on offshore renewable energy foundations
- access to state-of-the-art geotechnical laboratory facilities and the unique large-scale monopile testing site in Zeebrugge
- close collaboration with leading researchers, industrial partners, and an international network of experts in offshore geotechnics
- support in publishing your research in leading international journals and presenting your work at major scientific conferences
- a stimulating and collaborative research environment at KU Leuven, with an attractive salary package and excellent opportunities for professional development
- A competitive salary and benefits (salary scale 44). Furthermore, postdoctoral researchers are supported in their career by the university. For more information, see https://www.kuleuven.be/english/research/postdoc.
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Georgios Anogiatis, mail: [email protected].
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