At a Glance
- Tasks: Explore UV degradation in composite materials and enhance their performance for sustainable transport.
- Company: Join the prestigious Department of Aeronautics at Imperial College London.
- Benefits: Receive full tuition fees and a tax-free stipend of £23,805 annually.
- Other info: Access state-of-the-art facilities and present your research globally.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable transport while developing cutting-edge research skills.
- Qualifications: Must have a First class honours degree in Aeronautics, Mechanical Engineering or Materials.
The predicted salary is between 33750 - 41250 £ per year.
Start date: As soon as possible
Application deadline: 23:59 on 4th January 2027 (UK time)
Introduction: The move towards more-sustainable transport requires lighter vehicle structures, so the high strength-to-weight and stiffness-to-weight ratios of fibre composite materials make them attractive in new applications in addition to their traditional use in aerospace. However, these composite structures are exposed to UV light, especially when used in aircraft and space applications. UV-induced photodegradation is known to damage the surface of composites through erosion and the formation of microcracks in the matrix, which can grow due to stresses on the structure. Thus, it is critical to use polymers that are highly UV-resistant for these applications, but which also possess the required mechanical and functional properties.
The objective of this project is to understand the UV degradation mechanisms of thermosetting epoxy polymers and how the structure/composition of the polymers affects their UV resistance in order to maximise their longevity and long-term performance. It is anticipated that the results arising from this PhD studentship will combine UV resistance data, and visual and chemical analysis with mechanical and fracture properties to build a map of the structure-property relationships for a given composite system. The identification of these structure-property relationships will enable the development of novel and more UV-durable formulations.
You will join the Department of Aeronautics at Imperial College London, benefiting from joint supervision by Professor Koon-Yang Lee (Aeronautics) and Professor Ambrose Taylor (Mechanical Engineering), alongside an industry research scientist from Syensqo. You will develop specialist expertise in the analytical characterisation of composite materials, gaining hands-on experience in advanced composite manufacturing and analytical techniques in composite science and technology. Throughout your PhD, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities at Imperial College London, including high-resolution microscopy, thermal analysis systems, UV/vis spectroscopy, FTIR, AFM, a Q-SUN test chamber and comprehensive mechanical testing facilities.
You will also have opportunities to present your research at national and international conferences, publish your findings in peer-reviewed journals and build professional networks with leading researchers and industry partners.
Supervisors: Professor Koon-Yang Lee, Professor Ambrose Taylor
Duration: 3.5 years.
Funding: Full tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend of £23,805 for Home, EU and International students.
Eligibility: Due to the competitive nature of our studentships, candidates will be expected to achieve/have achieved a First class honours MEng/MSci or higher degree (or international equivalent) in: Aeronautics, Mechanical Engineering or Materials.
We are looking for a motivated and curious candidate with strong analytical, problem-solving, communication and organisational skills, who can work both independently and collaboratively and is enthusiastic about developing new research skills.
For more information: For project information, email: Prof. Koon-Yang Lee. For admissions questions, please first read our Frequently Asked Questions. If your question has not been answered, please email: PhD Administrator (Admissions).
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Imperial is committed to equality and valuing diversity. We are an Athena SWAN Silver Award winner, a Stonewall Diversity Champion, a Disability Confident Employer and are working in partnership with GIRES to promote respect for trans people.
PhD Studentship in Aeronautics: Structure-photodegradation-performance Relationship in Carbon Fibre-reinforced Thermosets (AE0089) in London employer: Imperial College London
Imperial College London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the International Relations Office. Employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, a commitment to diversity, and the chance to engage in meaningful projects that have a global impact, all set in the heart of one of the world's leading academic institutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship in Aeronautics: Structure-photodegradation-performance Relationship in Carbon Fibre-reinforced Thermosets (AE0089) in London
✨Connect with University Networks
Let’s leverage your university connections! Many universities have aerospace engineering societies or workshops where major companies often scout for talent. Give those events a go, and don’t hesitate to chat with guest lecturers or industry professionals — they might just know about upcoming internships!
✨Get Involved in Relevant Projects
Hands-on experience is key in aerospace engineering! Look for summer projects, competitions, or even university research roles that showcase your skills. The more you can demonstrate practical experience, the better your chances at landing that internship!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Aerospace
Join online communities focused on aerospace engineering, like forums or LinkedIn groups. Participate in discussions and share your projects or insights. This visibility can set you apart and get you noticed by recruiters looking for passionate interns like you!
✨Consider Local Aerospace Events
Keep an eye out for aerospace expos or job fairs in your area. These are excellent opportunities to network face-to-face with potential employers. Bring some copies of your CV, and don't forget to mention that you're eyeing an internship with companies like Imperial College London!
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship in Aeronautics: Structure-photodegradation-performance Relationship in Carbon Fibre-reinforced Thermosets (AE0089) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Skills:In aerospace engineering, it's key to highlight your technical skills upfront. Make sure to mention any design software you’ve used, like CATIA or SolidWorks, and detail any projects you’ve worked on, whether in university or personal endeavours. It shows you're ready to hit the ground running!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Since this is an internship, we want to see your learning potential. Focus on relevant coursework, projects, and any hands-on experience in aerospace or engineering. Don't forget to include extracurricular activities like joining engineering clubs or competitions that can showcase your passion for the field!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Here’s your chance to tell your story! Explain why aerospace engineering excites you and what you hope to learn from Imperial College London. Be genuine about your motivation and don’t shy away from sharing specific goals you have for the internship — it helps us see your enthusiasm and how you could fit our team!
Include Academic Achievements:Your academic record can make a real difference, especially for an internship. Highlight any relevant courses you excelled in and include your grades, particularly in maths and physics. If you’ve participated in research or published any papers, be sure to mention them as well — it gives us an insight into your technical background!
How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial College London
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Fundamentals
Since we're diving into the world of aerospace engineering, make sure you're solid on the core concepts. Expect questions on aerodynamics, materials science, and propulsion systems. It’ll give you a great chance to showcase your knowledge and passion for the field!
✨Showcase Your Projects
As an intern, what they want to see is your potential and enthusiasm! Prepare a portfolio of relevant projects or coursework. Even if they’re just uni assignments, if you got into the nitty-gritty details, it shows you’ve got the skills we need to develop further.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Aerospace engineering often involves tackling complex problems, so be ready for some situational questions. You might be asked to solve a hypothetical engineering challenge on the spot, so think through your problem-solving process and be clear in your explanations.
✨Convey Your Learning Mindset
As this is an internship, they'll be looking for candidates who are eager to learn and grow. Be prepared to talk about what you want to achieve during your internship at Imperial College London. Show them that you’re keen to absorb knowledge from their expertise in the industry, and how those experiences will shape your career.
