PhD studentship: Aeroengine Oil Systems CFD in partnership with Rolls-Royce in Nottingham

PhD studentship: Aeroengine Oil Systems CFD in partnership with Rolls‑Royce

Area: Engineering.

Location: Mechanical and Aerospace Systems Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, UK.

Closing Date: Tuesday 23 December 2025. Reference: ENG290.

This fully‑funded Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award offers a generous tax‑free stipend of £24,000 per annum for four years and covers UK home tuition fees. The role is only available to UK (home fees) citizens.

Project Overview: The project focuses on developing and applying advanced CFD models for aero‑engine oil systems, with opportunities to integrate machine‑learning techniques for lower‑order predictive models. The PhD will involve industry placement at Rolls‑Royce and joint supervision from university and industry professionals.

Responsibilities: Conduct CFD research, develop models, integrate machine learning, work on placement tasks, and collaborate within a 50‑member research team.

Candidate Requirements: Enthusiastic, self‑motivated researcher with rigorous problem‑solving. Expected to have a 2:1 (preferably 1st class) honours degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline with substantial fluid mechanics background.

Essential Skills

• Strong knowledge of numerical methods
• Ability to work effectively in a team

Desirable Skills / Experience

• Experience applying CFD to complex problems
• Knowledge of multiphase flows
• Experience with machine‑learning techniques

Application Process

Informal enquiries may be addressed to: Dr Stephen Ambrose – Stephen.Ambrose3@nottingham.ac.uk or Dr Chris Ellis – Chris.Ellis@nottingham.ac.uk.

Applications should include: Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover letter, and Academic transcripts.

Send applications to Hadrian.moran@nottingham.ac.uk.

Interviews will take place on 9 January 2026. Successful candidates will be invited to submit a formal application.