TITLE OF POST: Post Doctoral Researcher in the Development of Hardware for a Condition Monitoring
System for Large Wind Turbine Blades and Associated Testing
LOCATION: University of Limerick
REPORTS TO: Project Leader
CONTRACT TYPE: Specific Purpose
SALARY SCALE: €37,750 – €46,255 p.a. (maximum starting salary €38,860 p.a.)
JOB DESCRIPTION
QUALIFICATIONS:
PhD in mechanical, aeronautical, mechatronic, renewable energy engineering or similar, or equivalent
OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
The objective of this Enterprise Ireland funded, Commercialisation Project, is to develop hardware for a
wind blade condition monitoring system and to carry out field-trials. This work forms part of a new
condition monitoring system currently under development. The candidate will be based at the Irish Centre
for Composites Research (IComp), University of Limerick (UL). The research will be carried out in
collaboration with members of the Irish Centre for Composites Research (www.ul.ie/icomp) at UL.
DESCRIPTION:
The Irish Centre for Composites Research (IComp), hosted by the University of Limerick, is dedicated to
applied and industry-focused research in the field of advanced composite materials. IComp has
outstandingly well-equipped laboratories, with the capability to manufacture, test, inspect and analyse
virtually any type of composite structure. The experienced faculty and research staff at the University of
Limerick have been collaborating with industries within Ireland, across Europe and further afield for more
than 17 years. The Centre has been the recipient of significant research grants from the Irish State,
European Commission and from industry. The current employment opportunity arose from an Enterprise
Ireland (EI) funded project, which is designed to develop a new condition monitoring system for large wind
turbine blades.
A post-doctoral researcher in the area of mechanical engineering or related discipline is required for a
specific purpose contract. The researcher will be involved in an industry-oriented project developing
hardware for a wind blade condition monitoring system and trialing the hardware in the field.
Applicants should be experienced in one (or more) of the following areas: He or she should have
appropriate research and/or industrial experience in the field, and have a broad interest in developing
and commercialising hardware and the renewable energy sector.
Applicants are invited for the above post, starting from 1 August 2014 or soon thereafter. The successful
candidate will hold a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical, Mechatronic
Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering or related discipline or equivalent and have a good research
and/or industrial record in the field.
The applicant should have extensive experience in the design and development of prototype hardware
using a range of engineering materials. Experience of 3D CAD, generating engineering drawings and the
management of prototype fabrication is essential. The applicant will be required to incorporate appropriate
instrumentation, test the hardware in the field (or in appropriate testing laboratories) and conduct
measurement campaigns in collaboration with reference customers and industry representatives. It is
Job description
essential that the candidate has experience / a willingness to optimise the hardware for commercial
production.
Essential Requirements:
 PhD in mechanical, aeronautical, mechatronic, renewable energy engineering or similar, or
equivalent.
 Experience of designing, developing and managing the production of working prototypes using a
range of engineering materials.
 A willingness to optimise hardware for commercial production.
 Experience of 3D CAD software and engineering drawings.
 Willingness to work closely with vendors and workshop technicians on the production and
assembly of prototypes.
 Experience in laboratory testing, including implementing instrumentation and data acquisition
systems.
 Willingness to carry out field testing of prototypes.
 Willingness to collaborate with industry partners and work closely with reference customers.
 Self-directed.
Desirable Requirements:






At least 3 years industry experience, preferably in the renewable energy sector.
Experience field testing prototype systems.
Experience optimising hardware for commercial production.
Experience in machine vision, networking and system integration.
Experience of bringing products from concept to market.
Knowledge of Intellectual property and the commercialisation process.
Job description