PhD Studentship in Aeronautics: Structure-photodegradation-performance Relationship in Carbon Fibre-reinforced Thermosets (AE0089)

Overview

A full-time, fixed-term PhD studentship is available at Imperial College London within the Department of Aeronautics. The project focuses on investigating the structure, photodegradation, and performance relationships in carbon fibre-reinforced thermosets. The research aims to understand the ultraviolet degradation mechanisms of thermosetting epoxy polymers and how their composition affects UV resistance, in order to improve the longevity and long-term performance of lightweight composite materials used in transport, aerospace, and space applications.

The successful candidate will receive joint supervision from Professor Koon-Yang Lee in the Department of Aeronautics and Professor Ambrose Taylor in Mechanical Engineering, in collaboration with an industry research scientist from Syensqo. The position lasts for 3.5 years and involves working on site with an expected start date as soon as possible.

What you get

The studentship provides full tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend of £23,805. This funding is available for Home, EU, and International students. Researchers gain access to advanced facilities at Imperial College London, including high-resolution microscopy, thermal analysis systems, UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, a Q-SUN test chamber, and comprehensive mechanical testing facilities.

Participants also gain opportunities to present research findings at national and international conferences, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and build professional networks with leading researchers and industry partners.

Who can apply

Candidates are expected to have achieved, or expect to achieve, a First-class honours Master of Engineering, Master of Science, or a higher degree, or an international equivalent, in Aeronautics, Mechanical Engineering, or Materials. Applicants should be motivated, curious individuals with strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and organisational skills who are capable of working both independently and collaboratively.

Requirements

The position requires working on site. Candidates must meet the academic eligibility criteria of holding the specified first-class degree qualification in a relevant engineering or materials discipline.

Key dates

The application deadline is 23:59 on 4th January 2027, based on UK time. The closing date for the listing is also 2027-01-04.