About the Project
Aviation currently contributes around 3.5% of human-caused radiative forcing, and non-CO2 effects – including contrails, nitrogen oxides, soot and water vapour – account for roughly two-thirds of that impact. With air travel demand expected to double by the mid-2040s, the sector faces an urgent challenge: how to grow while sharply cutting its climate footprint. Existing tools usually examine CO2 and non-CO2 emissions separately, assess technologies in isolation, and rarely take a full life-cycle…
view. This leaves a critical gap in our ability to identify which future aircraft and fuels will deliver the greatest climate benefit.
This PhD project will close that gap. You will help build the first integrated, physics-based computational framework that simultaneously quantifies the full climate impact (CO2 plus non-CO2, with uncertainty) of the most promising low-carbon aviation technologies across their entire life cycles. The work focuses on liquid-hydrogen aircraft, battery- and hybrid-electric concepts, 100% sustainable aviation fuels, advanced airframes and propulsion systems, and operational improvements.
You will develop and validate adaptable aircraft energy-consumption models, scale them to fleet level to create realistic emission-reduction roadmaps for 2035–2050, and carry out rigorous life-cycle assessments that include non-CO2 radiative forcing and practical techno-economic constraints. The goal is to produce open, validated models and clear evidence on which technology combinations offer the strongest path toward net-zero aviation by 2050.
As a PhD student you will receive close supervision from researchers with expertise spanning aircraft design, propulsion, life-cycle assessment and climate science. You will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools (GasTurb, MATLAB, OpenLCA, GREET), uncertainty analysis, systems modelling and scientific communication. You will also have access to high-quality datasets, computing resources, regular progress meetings, conference opportunities, and collaboration within a wider sustainable-aviation research community.
You will receive comprehensive training across the core areas of the project. This includes advanced aircraft performance and propulsion modelling (covering electric, hybrid and hydrogen systems) using tools such as FLOPS, OpenVSP or SUAVE; formal life-cycle assessment methods (ISO 14040/44) with software including OpenLCA, SimaPro or GaBi; and specialised techniques for quantifying non-CO2 climate effects, including contrail and NOx analysis.
Additional training will cover sustainable aviation fuels and hydrogen production pathways, computational modelling and data analysis in MATLAB/Python, fleet-level and operational efficiency assessment, and key aviation climate policies (CORSIA, ICAO standards, EU ETS). You will also develop strong scientific communication skills through writing workshops and conference participation. Short research visits to collaborating labs in the UK and internationally will be available where needed to deepen specific technical expertise.
This is an opportunity to work at the frontier of aviation climate research, develop highly transferable technical and analytical skills, and contribute directly to one of the most pressing challenges in sustainable transport. If you are motivated by complex systems problems, quantitative modelling, and real-world climate impact, this project offers a rigorous and rewarding doctoral experience.
This project is expected to start in September 2027.
Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply.
How to apply: To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing the motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications. Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status.
We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder.
Eligibility: The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree (or international equivalent) in relevant science, mathematics, or engineering OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit (or international equivalent) in relevant science, mathematics, or engineering.
This project will remain open until filled.
If your application is submitted by 1st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18th December 2026.
If your application is submitted by 15th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30th March 2027.
Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project.
FSE_SoE
Funding Notes
Funding for this project covers tuition fees, UKRI minimum annual stipend (currently £21,805/annum) and up to a £2.5k/annum research training support grant for the full duration of the 3.5-year programme.