The AeroSystems Dynamics Lab (ADL) in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maine is recruiting one PhD student for Fall 2026. The research will focus on unconventional aircraft design, integrating aerodynamic modeling, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and flight testing. The selected student will work on aerodynamic configuration design, CFD simulations for performance and stability analysis, wind tunnel and PIV experiments to investigate flow physics, and flight testing for model validation. This opportunity is ideal for candidates interested in cutting-edge research at the intersection of aerodynamics, flight dynamics, and advanced aircraft concepts, within a highly experimental and computational research environment.

The position is supported by a combination of Graduate Research Assistantship (RA) and Teaching Assistantship (TA), with an additional one-time $5,000 fellowship available for outstanding U.S. students accepted into the program. The ADL is led by Dr. Ahmed Aboelezz, Assistant Professor at the University of Maine, whose research spans aerospace engineering, UAV flight dynamics, bio-inspired flight systems, and experimental testing. Dr. Aboelezz has extensive experience in CFD modeling, wind tunnel testing, and flight control system development, and maintains strong interdisciplinary collaborations across engineering and space science disciplines at UMaine.

Applicants should hold a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field; an M.S. degree is preferred. Candidates must be highly motivated and passionate about experimental and computational aerodynamics. Preferred skills include programming in MATLAB or Python, experience with CFD simulations (ANSYS Fluent preferred), wind tunnel testing, PIV measurement techniques, and flight control/testing using Pixhawk and ArduPilot. Application materials should include a brief cover letter, CV, transcripts (unofficial acceptable), and two publications.

To apply, email Dr. Ahmed Aboelezz ([email protected]) a single PDF with the subject name_ADL_Fall 2026_PhD. The University of Maine is an R1 research university fostering innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration in engineering, forestry, and sustainability.