PhD Scholarship in Mechanical Engineering

University of Nottingham

Area: Engineering
Location: UK Other
Closing Date: Friday 24 July 2026
Reference: ENG290X1

Location: Mechanical and Aerospace Systems Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham
Funding: UK Home fees + tax-free stipend of up to £25,000 p.a. for 4 years

PhD Overview:

Applications are invited for a fully-funded Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award, offered in partnership with Rolls-Royce, to tackle key challenges in the design of aeroengine oil systems using multiphase Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research that supports the next generation of sustainable aeroengines.

The successful candidate will join a supportive team of 50 researchers, technicians, and academics within the Mechanical and Aerospace Systems Research Group and will have the opportunity to apply their research during a placement within Rolls-Royce.

Project Overview:

The project focuses on developing and applying advanced CFD models for aeroengine oil systems. There will also be opportunities to integrate machine learning techniques for building lower-order predictive models. The student will gain hands-on experience in industrial applications, including practical aspects of aeroengine oil system design, spending part of their PhD based on-site at Rolls-Royce, as well as receiving joint supervision and training from both the University and industry professionals.

Candidate Requirements:

We are seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated researcher with a rigorous approach to problem-solving. Applicants should have, or be expected to gain, a high 2:1 (preferably 1st class) honours degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline with substantial background in fluid mechanics.

Essential skills:

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

Desirable skills / experience:

• Experience of applying CFD to a complex problem
• Knowledge of multiphase flows
• Experience with machine learning techniques

Funding:

This studentship covers UK home tuition fees and provides a tax-free stipend of up to £25,000 per year for 4 years. Please note that, due to funding restrictions, this studentship is only available to UK (home fees) citizens.

Start date: 1 October 2026

Application Process:

Informal enquiries may be addressed to:

• Dr Stephen Ambrose – [contact not provided]
• Dr Chris Ellis – Chris.Ellis@nottingham.ac.uk

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Cover letter
• Academic transcripts

Applications should be sent to IAT@nottingham.ac.uk.

Candidates will be interviewed at the earliest possible convenience, and the position will close once a suitable candidate is found.

Apply