At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct research on aviation emissions reduction strategies and assess their impact on climate change.
- Company: Join a leading research team focused on sustainable aviation and energy solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fully funded PhD with a tax-free stipend and paid tuition fees.
- Other info: Contact Dr Eastwood for more details and to express your interest.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in achieving net-zero aviation by 2050 while advancing your academic career.
- Qualifications: Must have a strong academic background in science, mathematics, or engineering; programming skills preferred.
The predicted salary is between 20780 - 20780 £ per year.
No of positions: 1
This 3.5 year PhD project is fully funded at UK rates; the successful candidate will receive a tax free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. UK students and those with settled status are eligible to apply.
The outcomes of this research are expected to contribute to both technological advancements and evidence-based policymaking within the aviation and energy sectors.
The impacts of aviation arises from both CO2 and non-CO2 emissions, including soot, aerosols, water vapor, nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and contrail-induced cirrus cloud formation. Aviation currently accounts for approximately 3.5% of total anthropogenic radiative forcing, with non-CO2 effects responsible for around two-thirds of this contribution. Despite the temporary slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, global air travel demand is forecast to double between 2024 and 2043, potentially leading to a significant increase in the sector’s climate impact. Moreover, emissions from aircraft significantly degrade air quality, resulting in approximately 16,000 premature deaths each year.
Given the anticipated increase in air traffic, the aviation industry projects that emissions reductions will be achieved through a combination of low-carbon alternative fuels and the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) scheme (contributing approximately 50%), advancements in aircraft technology (30%), and operational improvements (20%) – together supporting the industry\'s 2050 carbon-neutral growth objectives.
Broadly, this project covers the full spectrum of aviation emissions mitigation strategies and their associated reduction potentials. The PhD student will explore and quantitatively assess the emissions reduction potential – both CO2 and non-CO2 (including contrails) – of various technologies, including electric aircraft (battery- and fuel cell-powered), hybrid-electric aircraft, next-generation propulsion systems, advanced and unconventional airframes, sustainable aviation fuels, and hydrogen-powered combustion aircraft, along with operational improvements. These impacts will be assessed during the use phase as well as across the full life cycle.
Expected Outcomes
- Development of aircraft energy consumption model(s)
- Adaptation and application of the model for different fuels and/or propulsion systems, and for different airframes and aviation technologies
- Evaluation of aircraft operational level (energy/emissions) improvements at both aircraft and fleet level
- Evaluation of the life-cycle effects for different alternative aircraft versions at aircraft and fleet level
Please contact Dr Eastwood - david.eastwood@manchester.ac.uk for full details of the training opportunities.
Applicants should hold, or be expected to achieve, preferably a First Class Honours degree (or international equivalent) in their undergraduate studies (at least a 2.1 honours). Candidates with a First Class Honours degree (or international equivalent) at the master’s level (at least a 2.1 honours) in a relevant science, mathematics, or engineering discipline are especially encouraged to apply.
Additional requirements:
- Demonstrated determination and resilience to conduct impactful research and pursue excellence
- High levels of enthusiasm, passion, and self-motivation for sustainable aviation
- Intellectual curiosity and a willingness to learn through literature review, training, and collaboration
- Preferably a strong background in aircraft design and propulsion systems
- Preferably Proficient in programming (MATLAB preferred; Python is also acceptable)
- Prior experience with life-cycle analysis, GasTurb/PyCycle/NPSS, and CoCip is preferred
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills[AR1]is preferred.
To apply, please contact Dr Eastwood - david.eastwood@manchester.ac.uk. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.
£20,780 - please see advert
#J-18808-LjbffrPhD Studentship - Quantifying the Impact of Strategies to Achieve Net-Zero Aviation by 2050 in Manchester employer: The University of Manchester
Join a pioneering research environment dedicated to advancing sustainable aviation solutions. As a PhD student, you will benefit from a fully funded position with a competitive stipend, access to cutting-edge resources, and the opportunity to contribute to impactful research that shapes future policies in the aviation sector. Our collaborative work culture fosters intellectual curiosity and personal growth, making this an ideal setting for those passionate about making a difference in environmental sustainability.
Contact Details:
The University of Manchester Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship - Quantifying the Impact of Strategies to Achieve Net-Zero Aviation by 2050 in Manchester
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with The University of Manchester for a PhD Studentship - Quantifying the Impact of Strategies to Achieve Net-Zero Aviation by 2050. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship - Quantifying the Impact of Strategies to Achieve Net-Zero Aviation by 2050 in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at The University of Manchester, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At The University of Manchester, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Manchester
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with The University of Manchester.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with The University of Manchester. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like The University of Manchester love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
