Postdoc in Mechanical Design of Subsea HVDC Electrode Units via Experimental and High-Fidelity Numerical Analysis

The Department of Energy at Aalborg University (AAU Energy) invites applications for a 2-year (can be extended up 3 years) Postdoctoral Researcher position in the project HVDC Subsea Electrode Unit starting from May 2026 or soon hereafter.

Offer Description
The 3-year project is funded by the Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Programme (EUDP) and aims to deliver a standardised robust and scalable subsea electrode unit for HVDC systems. The successful candidate will lead tasks related to experimental testing and numerical modelling to verify structural performance under representative environmental conditions and establish a design envelope for standardisation and faster commercialisation. Join this exciting academiaindustry collaboration advancing next-generation HVDC subsea infrastructure to accelerate the energy transition.

Project context and key objectives
As offshore wind deployment expands farther from shore HVDC transmission is increasingly used for efficient long-distance power transfer where offshore corrective operations can be costly and logistically demanding. Subsea electrode solutions can support affordable reliable and sustainable transmission by enabling installation directly on the seabed and reducing the need for additional protective barrier structures and associated vessel operations.

However the mechanical design and verification of standardised subsea HVDC electrode units require a rigorous understanding of environmental loading load modelling soilstructure interaction and relevant degradation and failure mechanisms over extended service periods. Within the scope of the project a small-scale prototype will be tested in AAU Energys state-of-the-art wave tank to characterise static and dynamic behaviour under wave and current loading.

The experimental evidence will be used to validate a high-fidelity coupled loadstructure model for design verification including degradation considerations such as fatigue corrosion and biofouling.

Your work tasks
The postdoctoral researcher will take a leading role in planning designing and executing the projects experimental testing and numerical model validation tasks. The position is offered in the research group Offshore Renewable Energy Systems and the Postdoc will be positioned at the Esbjerg section of AAU Energy. The expected activities should include:

• Design testing procedures setting up the appropriate instrumentation calibration and quality control.
• Run experiments in a wave tank under regular and irregular waves. Develop and document high-fidelity numerical models (e.g. coupled hydrodynamicstructural models and/or FEM workflows).
• Develop and validate hydrodynamic load and structural finite element model against experimental results investigating uncertainties and sensitivities.
• Assess structural static and dynamic performance under 50-year return period wavecurrent
  combinations fixed and flexible boundary conditions.
• Contribute to the definition of a design envelope using response surface methodology focusing on cost reliability and sustainability.
• Collaborate closely with AAU Energys researchers from different research groups and industrial partners as well as assisting in the mentoring of junior researchers.
• Deliver technical reports and contribute to peer-reviewed journal publications and conference presentations.

Your competencies
We are seeking candidates who possess or are about to complete a PhD degree in Mechanical Structural Civil Materials or Ocean engineering or a closely related discipline. A strong background and demonstrable interest in hydrodynamic experimental testing and numerical modelling (ideally both) is essential. The candidate is expected to have experience with FEM tools (e.g. OrcaFlex Abaqus ANSYS (Aqwa) or similar) as well as verification/validation principles.

Further the ideal applicant will be capable of working independently efficiently managing their own workload and collaborating productively within a multidisciplinary team environment. As English is the working language excellent communication skills are required for technical reporting producing publications and delivering presentations.

In addition it would be advantageous for applicants to demonstrate proficiency in at least one scientific programming environment such as Python MATLAB or R. Good understanding of hydrodynamic loading and wavecurrent environments (e.g. wave kinematics high-order wave theories) would be highly regarded. Familiarity with soilstructure interaction modelling or seabed contact modelling structural degradation mechanism such as fatigue and corrosion is beneficial.

Qualification requirements
Appointmentaspostdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level.

Who we are
AAU Energy is a dynamic and internationally oriented research department at Aalborg University dedicated to developing clean and sustainable energy systems. Our research spans electrical thermal and mechatronic energy technologies and we work closely with industry and academic partners to address real-world energy challenges.

The department is located in both Aalborg and Esbjerg and this position is based at the Esbjerg campus. AAU Energy employs approximately 300 staff members from diverse national backgrounds including 39 technical and administrative staff and regularly hosts 20-30 guest researchers from around the world.

We offer advanced laboratory and workshop facilities and a collaborative environment that supports innovation knowledge sharing and professional development.

Learn more about AAU Energy at .

How to apply
Your application must include the following:

• Application stating reasons for applying qualifications in relation to the position and intentions and visions for the position
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Diplomas (masters degree diploma and PhD diploma)
• List of publications with an indication of the attached publications that you wish to be taken into account in the assessment. Youmay attach a maximum of five publications.
• Documentation of teaching qualifications if relevant.
• Dissemination qualifications including participation on committees or boards participation in organisations etc.
• Additional qualifications in relation to the position
• References/recommendations

You can read more about the requirements for your application here.

The application must be submitted via Aalborg Universitys recruitment system which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg Universitys website.

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore everyone regardless of personal background and orientation is encouraged to apply for the position.

Do you have any questions
If you have any questions about the position you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.

Further information
Read more about our recruitment process here

The appointment process at Aalborg University involves a shortlisting process. You can read more about the shortlisting and appointment process here.

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires ensuring the safety compliance and integrity of the workplace.

Salary and terms of employment
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish).

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (only in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (only in Danish).

Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world
Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3700 employees. We offer real-world-oriented education and create world-class research results through collaboration between researchers students and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights new solutions to societal problems and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.