PhD Research Opportunity in Airborne Wind Energy Systems
Funded by the Horizon Europe MSCA AWETRAIN Program
Host Institutions: Kitemill AS (Norway) & Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation/Company | Kitemill AS |
| Academic Partner | Wind Energy Department, DTU |
| Research Fields | Energy Technology, Cybernetics, Aerospace Engineering, Metrology |
| Researcher Profile | First Stage Researcher (R1) |
| Position | PhD Position |
| Country | Norway |
| Application Deadline | 30 May 2025 – 23:59 (Europe/Oslo) |
| Contract Type | Temporary |
| Job Status | Full-time |
| Offer Starting Date | 1 August 2025 |
| EU Research Funding | Horizon Europe – Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) |
| Application Website | Apply Here |
About the Position
This Horizon Europe MSCA-funded doctoral position is part of the prestigious AWETRAIN Doctoral Network, aiming to revolutionize renewable energy through Airborne Wind Energy Systems (AWES). The position is jointly hosted by Kitemill AS, a leading developer of tethered kite-based wind energy systems, and the Technical University of Denmark (DTU).
The successful candidate will spend 24 months at Kitemill in Vanse, Norway, and 12 months at DTU in Roskilde, Denmark, immersed in both industrial and academic environments.
Research Objectives
The PhD candidate will be involved in high-impact research and innovation tasks, including:
Autonomous Operation Algorithms
Developing adaptive control strategies to increase AWES performance in varying wind conditions (weak, strong, and transient).Transient Event Detection
Sensing and responding to wind gusts and complex flight path conditions such as shear and turbulence.Operational Optimization
Minimizing cut-in wind speeds for energy production during high-price periods and maximizing cut-out speeds without exceeding structural limits.Trajectory & Flow Field Optimization
Implementing variable loop diameters and flight paths to improve energy harvesting.Advanced Control Integration
Real-time tether control, angle-of-attack tuning, winch-kite interaction, and automated elevation adjustments.Experimental Validation
Field-testing control strategies and simulation models using real AWES prototypes at Kitemill.
Key Collaborative Tasks
The candidate will also contribute to broader AWETRAIN initiatives, such as:
Aeroelastic Simulation & Modeling
Creating and validating models that predict the aerodynamic and structural behavior of airborne wind systems.Reliability & Safety Analysis
Conducting operational risk assessments to enhance system durability and performance scalability.
Qualifications & Eligibility
Required:
Master’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Control Engineering, Wind Energy, or a related discipline.
Strong knowledge of control systems, fluid dynamics, or structural mechanics.
Programming proficiency in Python, Julia, or related tools.
Excellent written and spoken English.
MSCA Mobility Rule:
Applicants must not have lived or worked in Norway for more than 12 months in the past 3 years prior to recruitment.
Preferred:
Experience in wind energy systems, kite dynamics, or renewable energy technologies.
Familiarity with simulation tools such as Simulink.
Strong analytical mindset and ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary, international teams.
Benefits and Training
Fully Funded PhD aligned with MSCA salary and benefits, including:
Mobility allowance
Family allowance (if applicable)
Research and training allowances
Access to top-tier research infrastructure:
Simulation labs, wind tunnels, and test sites at DTU and Kitemill
Industrial and Academic Training:
Hands-on exposure to field operations
Participation in international conferences and AWETRAIN network training events
How to Apply
Submit your application here including:
CV with academic and professional details
Motivation letter aligning with the research objectives
Academic transcripts and degree certificates
Contact details for two referees
Contact Points for Inquiry:
Espen Oland (Kitemill): [email protected]
Mark Kelly (DTU): [email protected]
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