The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

PhD and Research Staff Opportunities in Aeroacoustics and Low-Noise Design

Overview

AANTC at HKUST invites applications for PhD study and research staff roles in aeroacoustics and low-noise design. The research connects physical understanding of aerodynamic noise with experiments, simulation and artificial intelligence for low-altitude aircraft and the low-altitude economy.

Research directions include:

  • Aerodynamic and aeroacoustic experiments, computation and theory for rotors, aircraft, airframes and engines.
  • Measurement, prediction and assessment of low-altitude aircraft noise and its propagation in urban environments.
  • Low-noise aircraft design, noise-aware flight dynamics and control, and route planning, including how manoeuvres and rotor operating states affect acoustic emissions.
  • Development of physics-grounded world models that combine aeroacoustic measurements and simulations to predict how aircraft, operating conditions and environments affect noise. These models will be evaluated against experimental data and used to explore low-noise design choices.
  • Physics-informed machine learning and artificial intelligence methods for aerodynamic and aeroacoustic modelling.
  • Aerodynamic design of sports equipment and related sports-engineering research.

The team builds on established work in aeroacoustics, noise prediction and low-altitude flight. Its wind tunnels, acoustic measurement platforms and computational tools support research from physical mechanisms to engineering design. Established collaborations with aerospace industry partners connect this work to practical low-noise design.

Position details

Compensation and appointment

For reference, HKUST lists the Postgraduate Studentship (PGS) at HK$229,620 per year (HK$19,135 per month) as of September 2026. Eligible full-time PhD students may receive PGS for up to four years, subject to HKUST's award and renewal conditions; the applicable rate at admission will follow HKUST's prevailing terms. Research staff remuneration is determined by the appointment and the applicant's qualifications.

Requirements

Applicants may come from aerospace or mechanical engineering, aeroacoustics, applied mathematics, computer science, artificial intelligence or related disciplines.

  • PhD applicants should be prepared to develop an original research question and work across physical modelling, computation and experimental validation.
  • Research staff applicants should have experience in independent research or engineering development relevant to aeroacoustics, low-noise design, simulation, experiments or data-driven modelling.
  • Experience with CFD, acoustic measurement, scientific computing, machine learning or low-altitude aircraft is an advantage. Specific experience in every area is not required.
  • Applicants should be able to communicate research results clearly in English.

Application process

Please send your CV and a brief statement of your research interests to Professor Peng Zhou at pengzhou@ust.hk. Indicate whether you are applying for PhD study or a research staff role.