At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research on aircraft's impact on clouds and climate.
- Company: Brahmal Institute, a leader in sustainable aviation research.
- Benefits: Full tuition coverage, generous travel budget, and a tax-free stipend of £23,805.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for networking and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a pioneering project that tackles climate change through innovative aviation solutions.
- Qualifications: 1st class honours Master’s degree in relevant fields and a passion for sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 23805 - 23805 £ per year.
Supervisors: Dr Edward Gryspeerdt, Professor Oliver Buxton
Start date: October 2027
Application deadline: 4 January 2027
Introduction: The Brahmal Institute invites applications for its October 2027 Doctoral Programme in Sustainable Aviation (DPSA). Under the 2027 strategic theme "sustainability across stakeholders", the cohort will undertake interdisciplinary research addressing aviation sustainability from a systems perspective, recognising the interconnected roles of airports, airlines, air traffic management, aircraft and passengers. Alongside their individual projects, students will benefit from shared learning, specialist training, networking and outreach, fostering collaboration to drive system-wide change towards more sustainable aviation.
Project overview: Aircraft trailing vortices can thin high clouds by mixing dry air into them, creating "distrails" that may cool the climate and potentially offset a significant proportion of aviation's warming impact. However, the magnitude of this effect remains highly uncertain due to variations in aircraft operations, vortex behaviour and cloud conditions. This project will deliver the first global assessment of distrail climate impacts using satellite, meteorological and aircraft data, combined with modelling and wind-tunnel experiments, to evaluate how aircraft design and routing influence this emerging climate effect.
General Information:
- Duration: 3.5 years
- Funding: Full coverage of tuition fees, a generous travel budget, and an annual tax-free stipend of £23,805.
Eligibility:
- Having obtained or expect to obtain a 1st class honours Master’s (or higher) degree in Aerospace Engineering or allied disciplines such as Computational Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics.
- Ability to develop and apply new concepts while prioritising work in response to deadlines.
- Creative approach to problem-solving.
- Ability to organise own work with minimal supervision.
- Excellent background in numerical methods, and scientific computing.
- Excellent verbal and written technical communication skills and the ability to write clearly and succinctly for publication.
- Demonstrated understanding of and passion for sustainability.
- We are accepting applications from both Home and International students.
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: The dynamical impact of aircraft on clouds and climate 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: The dynamical impact of aircraft on clouds and climate 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: The dynamical impact of aircraft on clouds and climate 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.
