Post-doctoral Research Fellow

Project Overview

The "Ice Protection using Slippery Liquid-like Coatings with Integrated Active Methods" project aims to develop a hybrid ice-protection technology for aircraft wings, wind turbines and other critical surfaces. The system will combine low ice adhesion coatings for passive protection with acoustic-wave-based active ice removal, benchmarked against electrothermal heating for thermal active protection. Successful approaches will be demonstrated through laboratory and wind tunnel experiments, with a focus on reliability, energy efficiency and dual anti-icing/ de-icing performance.

This fixed-term, three-year research appointment (starting 1 Oct 2026) supports the principal investigators at Northumbria University and Edinburgh University. The researcher will conduct experimental investigation, technology integration and performance validation of hybrid ice-protection systems.

• Develop and integrate hybrid ice-protection systems that combine low ice adhesion coatings with acoustic-wave-based active protection, ensuring both components operate synergistically without performance degradation.
• Design, build and operate acoustic wave icing protection prototypes; generate mechanical vibrations via piezoelectric actuators or similar devices to prevent ice bonding and facilitate ice release.
• Benchmark acoustic wave systems against conventional electrothermal methods to demonstrate reduced energy consumption while maintaining effective anti-icing and de-icing capability in laboratory and wind-tunnel setups.
• Collaborate with researchers in applied physics, engineering, materials science, surface engineering, acoustics and control systems to contribute to team meetings, technical reports and peer-reviewed publications.
• Work closely with a research fellow in Edinburgh University focused on surface treatments and passive coatings, to co-deliver an integrated active/passive ice-protection system.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations and manuscripts for dissemination of findings.

• PhD in applied physics, engineering, smart materials, microsystems or a related field.
• Demonstrable expertise in acoustic waves, smart materials or related technologies.
• Strong theoretical and simulation skills.
• Experience in experimental design, mechanical vibration systems or advanced coating technologies is advantageous.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Understanding of ice-formation processes and anti-icing materials.
• Familiarity with acoustic wave generation and control technologies.
• Knowledge of electrothermal heating methods for ice removal.

For further discussion, contact Prof. Richard Fu ().