At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge project developing hybrid ice-protection systems for aircraft and wind turbines.
- Company: Northumbria University, a top research institution with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous holidays, and excellent pension schemes.
- Other info: Dynamic, inclusive environment with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in innovative research while collaborating with leading experts.
- Qualifications: PhD in applied physics, engineering, or related fields with strong research skills.
The predicted salary is between 41064 - 46049 £ per year.
The project "Ice Protection using Slippery Liquid-like Coatings with Integrated Active Methods" aims to build a hybrid ice-protection technology for tackling icing issues on aircraft wings, wind turbines and other critical structural surfaces. You will support the principal investigators and co-investigators in Northumbria University at Newcastle and Edinburgh University for delivery of the aim and objectives of the project. You will focus on creating a next-generation ice-protection system that combines (1) low ice adhesion coatings for passive protection, and (2) acoustic-wave-based ice removal for mechanical active protection, benchmarked against electrothermal heating for thermal active protection. You will demonstrate reliable and energy-efficient hybrid approaches work for both anti-icing and de-icing using in-lab and wind tunnel experiments.
The position is a fixed-term, three-year research appointment, starting on 1 Oct 2026. Your work will focus on experimental investigation, technology integration, and performance validation of these hybrid ice-protection systems.
Your Roles in the Project
- Development of Hybrid Ice-Protection Systems: You will investigate how advanced active technologies such as acoustic waves can be integrated with slippery liquid-like coatings (provided by collaborators). A key task is to ensure that the coatings work effectively alongside active systems without degrading performance.
- Acoustic Wave Ice Protection: A major part of the project involves development of acoustic wave icing protection technologies. These systems use mechanical vibrations generated by piezoelectric actuators or similar devices to prevent ice crystals from bonding strongly to surfaces and facilitate ice detachment with lower energy consumption. You will also need to benchmark these systems against the conventional active methods such as electrothermal technologies, where electrical energy is converted into heat. The goal is to reduce energy consumption while maintaining effective anti-icing and de-icing capability within both laboratory set-up and ice-wind tunnel.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration: You will work alongside researchers from multiple disciplines, including applied physics, engineering, materials science, surface engineering, acoustics and control systems. You will contribute to team meetings, technical reports and publications.
This Research Project will be delivered within the School of Engineering, Physics and Mathematics, led by Prof. Richard Yongqing Fu, Prof. Hamdi Torun, and Dr. Prashant Agrawal, collaborated with Prof. Glen McHale, Dr. Gary Wells and Prof. Dipa Roy in University of Edinburgh. The candidate will need to work closely with another research fellow in Edinburgh University (who will focus on surface treatments and passive coatings) for achieving the integrated active/passive ice protection system.
You will receive close supervision and training throughout the project, working alongside leading researchers in the field. This experience will strengthen your research profile and help you develop the independence and leadership skills needed to progress your career.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 therefore the successful candidate will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
The applicant should hold a PhD degree in a related field, and have demonstrable specialist expertise in applied physics, engineering, smart materials, microsystem, or acoustic waves, along with strong theoretical and simulation skills.
If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Prof. Richard Fu.
To apply for this vacancy please click 'Apply Now'. Your application should include a cover letter, a CV, and a publication list. We welcome applications from the UK and across the world.
ABOUT US
Join Northumbria University, a research-intensive institution unlocking potential and changing lives locally and globally. Named Times Higher Education's University of the Year in 2022 and Modern University of the Year in 2025, we rank top 25 in the UK for research power. Discover more about us.
With over 37,000 students from over 140 countries, we offer world-leading research, award-winning partnerships, and an outstanding student experience. We empower our exceptional staff, promoting a positive work-life balance and offering great benefits, including excellent pension schemes, flexible working, generous holiday entitlement and more.
Our Northumbria Values, co-created by our team, define who we are: Academic Excellence, Innovation, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Ambition. Our Behaviours shape our work culture: We listen and learn, support one another, respect everyone, trust each other, and are bold.
Based in Newcastle upon Tyne and London, we are an on-campus organisation and offer flexible hours and location where the role allows. We pride ourselves on diversity and inclusivity, holding numerous awards for gender and race equality, disability confidence, and research excellence.
We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers. The University has implemented a range of flexible working arrangements, and we are happy to explore candidate requirements as part of the recruitment process.
Apply now and join a community committed to transforming society and the economy.
Post-doctoral Research Fellow - Newcastle upon Tyne in Chilton Foliat employer: Northumbria University Newcastle
Northumbria University is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment in the vibrant city of Newcastle upon Tyne. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we provide excellent benefits such as flexible working arrangements, generous holiday entitlement, and robust pension schemes. Our focus on professional development and a culture that values collaboration and innovation makes this an ideal place for those passionate about contributing to a safe and welcoming campus community.
Contact Details:
Northumbria University Newcastle Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Post-doctoral Research Fellow - Newcastle upon Tyne in Chilton Foliat
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
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✨Utilise Professional Networks
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We think you need these skills to ace Post-doctoral Research Fellow - Newcastle upon Tyne in Chilton Foliat
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Northumbria University Newcastle. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Northumbria University Newcastle. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northumbria University Newcastle
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
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Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Northumbria University Newcastle. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Northumbria University Newcastle to drive research projects forward.
