The University of Maine is a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution and a 
land, sea, and space grant university, which serves as the flagship institution 
of the University of Maine System. UMaine’s ASCC has the largest wind-wave 
tunnel in North America, capable of replicating real-world ocean conditions by 
generating both wind and waves simultaneously. This facility plays a critical 
role in developing sustainable offshore energy technologies. More information 
about the facility is available at: composites.umaine.edu/oee-facilities.

Our research focuses on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and active flow 
control within the fields of aerospace engineering, ocean engineering, and wind 
energy. Our goal is to enhance sustainability and advance future air mobility.
Research Opportunities: The successful candidate will develop and employ CFD 
methods (LES, IDDES, RANS) to explore fundamental flow physics problems in 
turbulent airwake and flow control, contributing to performance improvements. 
Specific areas of research may include:
1. Study the unsteady flow, near wake characteristics, and scaling effect in 
floating offshore wind turbines (FOWT).
2. Investigate the mechanisms behind bi-stable airwake phenomena in ships or 
bluff bodies.
3. Enhance the performance of wind propulsion technologies and VTOL (vertical 
take-off and landing) systems through high-efficiency active flow control 
methods.
4. Develop machine-learning-driven flow control and aerodynamic optimization 
methods for aerospace and renewable energy applications.
In addition to numerical simulations, candidates will have the opportunity to 
engage in experimental fluid dynamics at UMaine’s Advanced Structures and 
Composites Center (ASCC) using the state-of-the-art W2 wind-wave tunnel.

Education and Qualifications:
• A BS or MS degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a 
related field.
• For international applicants: TOEFL > 82, IELTS > 6.5, or PTE > 65.

Application Process: Interested candidates should email Dr. Kewei Xu 
(kewei.xu@maine.edu) with a CV, unofficial transcripts, and a brief statement 
discussing research ideas and future career goals. The successful applicant is 
expected to start in January or August 2025. Review of applications will 
continue until the position is filled.