PhD Studentship in Aeronautics: Artificial Intelligence for Structural Aircraft Digital Twins Imperial College London in United Kingdom

[Full coverage of tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend of £22,780 for Home, EU and International students.]

Imperial College London invites applications for a fully funded PhD Studentship in Aeronautics, focusing on Artificial Intelligence for Structural Aircraft Digital Twins. This opportunity is part of the EPSRC Fellowship VERA and involves collaboration with leading organisations such as NASA, Airbus, and Rolls-Royce. The project aims to accelerate the design and certification of innovative aircraft concepts to help aviation achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement.

As a member of the renowned PinhoLab, led by Professor Silvestre Pinho (Airbus Chair), you will contribute to the development of advanced numerical methods for efficient structural simulation of novel aircraft configurations. The lab is internationally recognised for its work in numerical and experimental methods and sustainability, with research featured in TEDx talks, the UK Parliament, and major media outlets. Alumni from PinhoLab are highly sought after by aerospace companies, space agencies, and academia, often progressing to senior engineering and R&D leadership roles.

The studentship offers full coverage of tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend of £22,780 for Home, EU, and International students. The duration is 3.5 years, with a flexible start date between 1 August 2026 and 1 July 2027. You will gain expertise in Finite Element Analysis, Scientific Machine Learning, Uncertainty Quantification, and Professional Programming Standards, as well as a deep understanding of aircraft design and certification processes. There are opportunities to collaborate with global leaders, present at top international conferences, and gain teaching experience through co-supervising MSc theses and assisting with undergraduate labs (with additional pay).

Eligibility requires a First class honours MEng/MSci or higher degree (or international equivalent) in Aeronautics, Aerospace, or Mechanical Engineering. A strong affinity for programming is essential, and experience with numerical methods, finite element method, statistics, and machine learning is desirable. Imperial College London is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, holding multiple awards and recognitions for its efforts.

To apply, submit a 2-page CV, transcripts, and a 300-word motivation statement via the Supervisor Review Form by 8 January 2026. Long-listed candidates will be contacted with further instructions and an application link. For project-related questions, contact Professor Silvestre Pinho; for application process queries, reach out to Lisa Kelly, PhD Administrator. For more information, visit the PinhoLab website and the official PhD opportunities page.