Research Assistant.8801374

General Details
Position Code
8801374
Position Type
Project Based (Fixed Term)
Position Duration
01/Sep/2024 to 31/Dec/2024
Position Title
Research Assistant
Project Title
Drone Aerodynamics and Wake Interactions: Towards Urban Air Mobility
Project Supervisor
Dr. Vladimir Parezanovic, Assistant Professor, [email protected]
Academic Department
Aerospace Engineering
Relevant Research Center
(none)
Technical Keywords
Flight Dynamics, UAS, Wake Turbulence, Drone Aerodynamics


About Khalifa University
Khalifa University is ranked 181st in the QS World University Rankings 2023, and the top University in the UAE, with a range of research and academic programs designed to address the entire range of strategic, scientific and industrial challenges facing our rapidly evolving world.

Its world-class faculty and state-of-the-art research facilities provide an unparalleled learning experience to students from the UAE and around the world. Our research and academic activities cover a broad range of disciplines in engineering, science and medicine through our three colleges.

Khalifa University’s research relates to key focus sectors of relevance to the UAE’s strategic economic growth and the technology platforms that serve as foundations for these sectors. The University’s research priorities are addressed in two categories — “verticals” and “horizontals” — which jointly cover specific industry and sector needs, technical platforms and expertise.

KU’s focus sectors are Clean and Renewable Energy, Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production, Water and Environment, Healthcare, Aerospace, and Supply Chain and Logistics. Research in these sectors is enhanced by our research platforms of Robotics, AI and Data Science, Information and Communication Technologies, and Advanced Materials and Manufacturing as well as Fundamental Sciences.


Position Overview
KU is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant with an expertise in aerodynamics and aerospace manufacturing to work on the preparation of experimental activities for the characterization of hazardous turbulence phenomena in dense Urban Air Mobility (UAM) scenarios. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Khalifa University and work on key contemporary challenges related to Flight Systems Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E). Specific responsibilities include:
- design and manufacture the necessary components of the experimental wind tunnel test rig(s) as instructed by the Line Manager;
- contribute to the experimental wind tunnel testing activities as instructed by the Line Manager.
As part of the project, the RA will have access to state-of-the-art research equipment and facilities and will work alongside researchers and graduate students from various backgrounds as part of a wider team.
Position Requirements
· Conduct research, design and test activities consistently with the expectations of the project;
· Integrate effectively and participate in the activities of the research group under the guidance of the advisor, ethically and responsibly, fostering a culture of robust team-working, respect, collegiality and inclusion;
· Successfully undertake and complete research tasks to the required qualitative standards within the agreed timeframes and resources as specified by the project plan;
· Take responsibility for reporting the technical progress to the project leader and research group, periodically and in a timely manner;
· Publish research outcomes in high-quality journal and indexed conference proceedings, and communicate with other team members, partners and the broader research community;
· Adhere to the University's information security and confidentiality policies and procedures, and report breaches or other security risks accordingly;
· Perform any other tasks assigned by the Line Manager.