PhD Studentship: Aircraft Electrical Power System Stability

University of Nottingham

UK and international candidates

This exciting opportunity is based within the Power Electronics, Machines and Control (PEMC) research group in the Faculty of Engineering which conducts cutting edge research into enabling technologies for future aircraft applications.

Vision

We are seeking a PhD student who is motivated to conduct research in electrical power system stability for future aircraft applications. Together we will make technological advances that will lead to more sustainable and safe air travel.

Motivation

The aviation industry is responsible for 12% of carbon dioxide emissions from transport. Decarbonising aviation is a vital part of achieving net zero. Hybrid and ‘all electric’ aircraft technologies offer a pathway to net zero. The electrification of aircraft, for both onboard and propulsion systems, is the path forward towards sustainable flights. However, there are significant challenges in achieving net zero. This project will explore approaches to achieving robust control of the electrical power system for aircraft applications ensuring system stability across a wide range of nonlinear loads and operating conditions.

Aim

You will have the opportunity to research and implement innovative approaches to ensure stability thus safety of aircraft electrical power system. You will work with a research team focussed on aircraft electrification in the PEMC group

Candidate requirements

An enthusiastic, self-motivated, resourceful PhD candidate with knowledge in aircraft power systems and IT skills in MATLAB/Simulink and other related software. You should have achieved or be expecting to achieve a 1st or a 2:1 in an MEng degree in electrical and electronics engineering or aerospace engineering.

Eligibility and funding

This studentship is open to UK/home and international candidates.

After a suitable candidate is found, funding is sought from the University of Nottingham as part of a competitive process. This will cover home tuition fees and UKRI stipend.

PhD start date: October 2026

How to apply

Application deadline: 9 March 2026

To apply or for further information please contact Dr Sharmila Sumsurooah at Sharmila.Sumsurooah@nottingham.ac.uk

The University of Nottingham actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. We - the Faculty of Engineering - provide a thriving working environment for all our postgraduate researchers (PGRs) creating a strong sense of community across research disciplines. We understand that research culture is important to our PGRs so we work closely with our Postgraduate Engineering Society and PGR research group representatives to support and enhance the postgraduate research environment.

As a PGR at the University of Nottingham you will benefit from training through our Researcher Academy’s training programme. Based within the Faculty of Engineering you will have additional access to courses developed specifically for our engineering and architecture PGRs including sessions on how to write a paper, communicating your research, and research integrity.

We offer dedicated postgraduate study spaces, have outstanding research facilities and work in partnership with leading industrial partners.