Job Description

A Research Fellowship position is now available in the areas of aerodynamics and aeroacoustics at the Aerodynamics Acoustics & Noise Control Technology Centre at the Hong Kong University of Sciences and Technology. The appointee will work on a project that aims to evaluate noise impacts from expanding UAV and eVTOL activities in Hong Kong, which pose risks to urban communities and sensitive ecosystems. It involves extensive testing to develop advanced measurement tools and comprehensive noise databases. The successful candidate will focus on experimental measurement of drone noise in controlled and outdoor environments, and on the development of physics-based noise source models for UAV/eVTOL platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experimental measurements of drone and eVTOL noise in anechoic chamber facilities and outdoor field environments across a range of aircraft types and operating conditions.
• Develop and validate physics-based noise source models for UAV/eVTOL rotors, capturing aeroacoustic mechanisms such as tonal and broadband noise generation.
• Process and analyse acoustic measurement data to characterise and quantify UAV/eVTOL noise signatures.
• Build and maintain a comprehensive noise database to support environmental impact assessments and regulatory recommendations for Hong Kong’s LAE Regulatory Sandbox.
• Collaborate with modelling and impact assessment team members; publish research findings in high-impact journals and present at relevant conferences.

Qualifications

• PhD degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Acoustics, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a closely related field.
• Hands-on experience in acoustic or aeroacoustic experiments, including measurements in anechoic chambers and outdoor/field test environments.
• Proficiency in acoustic data processing and analysis, including spectral methods, beamforming, and noise source identification techniques.
• Solid background in aeroacoustics, particularly rotor/propeller noise mechanisms and noise source modelling, is highly preferred.
• Proficiency in relevant programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python, Fortran, C++) and experience with scientific computing.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team.

Application Instructions

• Start Date: 1 September 2026 and onwards
• Salary: Negotiable based on qualifications and experience.

Interested candidates should submit a CV, cover letter to Prof. Xin ZHANG (aexzhang@ust.hk). Review begins immediately and continues until the position is filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

HKUST is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to our core values of inclusiveness, diversity, and respect.