At a Glance
- Tasks: Investigate turbulence and its impact on cloud physics and rainfall formation.
- Company: Imperial College London, a leading research institution.
- Benefits: Full tuition coverage and a tax-free stipend of £22,780 per year.
- Other info: Opportunity to present findings to the international scientific community.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team and contribute to groundbreaking research in climate science.
- Qualifications: First-class honours degree in a relevant STEM field; turbulence research experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 22780 - 22780 £ per year.
This funded doctoral studentship at Imperial College London’s Department of Aeronautics invites ambitious researchers to investigate fundamental challenges in cloud physics and turbulence, with a focus on how intermittent turbulent processes influence rainfall formation in warm cumulus clouds. Clouds are not only visually iconic but are also central to precipitation and climate systems. Early rain formation in clouds occurs on time scales too short to be explained by condensation alone, highlighting the pivotal role of turbulence in driving droplet collisions and coalescence.
This studentship offers the opportunity to work as part of a collaborative research team under the ERC-funded TITCHY project, gaining expertise in high-fidelity experimental techniques or numerical simulation approaches to understand how turbulence intermittency affects entrainment at cloud boundaries or droplet-turbulence interactions. Students will engage with cutting-edge laser diagnostics or direct numerical simulation (CFD) and present their findings to the international scientific community.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants should hold, or be expected to achieve, a first-class honours degree (such as MEng or MSci) or an equivalent qualification in aeronautical or mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, physics, or a related STEM discipline.
- Previous experience with turbulence research is beneficial but not required.
Required Expertise, Skills
- Successful candidates will develop capabilities in experimental and/or computational methods for turbulence research.
- Those opting for the experimental route will work with advanced diagnostics such as particle tracking and particle image velocimetry in wind tunnel studies, while those choosing simulations will apply high-fidelity CFD techniques.
- Strong analytical skills, curiosity about fluid dynamics, and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment will support success in this project.
Salary Details
The studentship includes full coverage of tuition fees and provides an annual tax-free stipend of £22,780, available to Home, EU, and International students for the duration of the programme.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 30 April 2026, for study commencing in October 2026.
PhD Studentship – The Role of Turbulence Intermittency in Cloud Physics employer: RFCSR
At King’s College London, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our interdisciplinary approach not only encourages professional growth through diverse research opportunities but also allows you to make a meaningful impact in the fields of engineering and biomedical research. Located in the vibrant city of London, our institution offers a dynamic environment where creativity thrives and employees are supported in their career development.
