PhD student – HyNOISE Doctoral Candidate (DC12): A systematic assimilation data model to predict thermoacoustic instabilities University of Cambridge in United Kingdom

PhD opportunity in the HyNOISE Doctoral Network: DC12, focused on building a systematic data assimilation model to predict thermoacoustic instabilities in hydrogen-fuelled combustion systems. The project is hosted by the University of Cambridge Engineering Department within a collaborative European network involving academic and industrial partners.

The research aims to optimize the design of hydrogen-fuelled gas turbine injectors so that combustors are quieter and less susceptible to thermoacoustic instability. The work combines experimental data, large eddy simulations, and industrial test-rig data to improve thermoacoustic and flame models through Bayesian inference and optimization, using Cambridge’s AXIOM framework. The project includes assimilation of laboratory-scale combustor data, industrial test rig data, and LES data, with the goal of producing quantitatively accurate low-order models that can be used for prediction, design optimization, and future re-optimization as new data become available.

Key topics include hydrogen combustion, thermoacoustics, combustion noise, fluid mechanics, acoustics, uncertainty quantification, Bayesian model selection, Bayesian experimental design, and mean-field flame modelling. The project also connects to broader efforts on direct and indirect noise from hydrogen flames, flashback, hydrodynamic and thermo-diffusive instabilities, and high-frequency thermoacoustic phenomena.

The position is a full-time, 36-month PhD under Horizon Europe MSCA funding. The funding includes a living allowance, mobility allowance, and, if eligible, a family allowance, with gross amounts subject to statutory deductions. Applicants may be of any nationality, but must satisfy MSCA rules: they must have a master’s degree by the time the contract starts and must not have been awarded a doctoral degree. The mobility rule applies to residence/activity in the United Kingdom.

Applicants should hold, or be close to completing, an MSc or equivalent in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or a related area, with strong knowledge of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, numerical analysis, CFD, simulation, optimisation, and modelling tools. Good teamwork, independence, problem-solving ability, deadline management, proactive working style, and excellent English communication are expected.

Applications must be submitted by email as a single PDF containing a cover letter, CV, reference information, and certificates. The deadline is 31 December 2026, and the expected start window is January to October 2027. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed and asked to complete a position-specific task.

Secondments are planned at the Technical University of Berlin and ETH Zurich, supporting training in model reconstruction and indirect-noise prediction. Applicants should contact the consortium at [email protected] or the main supervisor at [email protected] for further information.