The Smart Energy & Thermal Transport Lab at the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. This opportunity is part of an ARDB-funded project titled "Scalable and Durable Frost Inhibition Coatings on Aluminum Plate & Fin and Microchannel Heat Exchangers for Aircraft Environmental Control System." The research focuses on developing scalable and durable frost-inhibiting coatings for aluminum plate-fin and microchannel heat exchangers, which are critical components in air cycle machines used in aircraft environmental control systems.

The project integrates surface engineering, thermo-fluid experimentation, and modeling to design and fabricate scalable micro/nanoengineered aluminum surfaces, study frost initiation, condensation dynamics, and heat transfer performance, and evaluate the durability of coatings under repeated frosting–defrosting cycles for aerospace applications. The lab seeks candidates with a strong foundation in heat transfer and phase-change phenomena, particularly in condensation, frosting, or boiling. Hands-on experience in experimental phase-change heat transfer, designing and operating heat transfer experiments, and thermal-fluid setups is highly desirable. Expertise in surface fabrication and characterization using tools such as contact angle goniometry and SEM imaging is also preferred.

Eligibility criteria include a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Aerospace Engineering, or any relevant branch of science or engineering from a recognized institute, with a strong record of scientific publications. Candidates who have submitted their Ph.D. thesis in the mentioned fields are also eligible. Academic qualifications require a minimum of 60% or equivalent grade from graduation onwards and 55% or equivalent grade in class 10th and 12th.

The position is fully funded by the Aeronautics Research and Development Board (ARDB), though specific stipend and financial details are not provided in the announcement. The application deadline is December 14, 2025. Interested candidates should review the project details and eligibility criteria, prepare their CV and supporting documents, and submit their application via the provided online link.

For more information, visit the project details and application links or contact the lab at IIT Gandhinagar. This is an excellent opportunity for researchers interested in thermal engineering, heat transfer, surface engineering, and aerospace applications to contribute to cutting-edge research in a leading Indian institution.