PhD Studentship in Aeronautics: Artificial Intelligence for Structural Aircraft Digital Twins (AE0074)

Imperial College London - Department of Aeronautics

Start Date: Between 1 August 2026 and 1 July 2027

Introduction: Join a world-class research team tackling one of aviation’s greatest challenges: accelerating the design of innovative aircraft concepts to help the sector achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, as required by the Paris Agreement. This project, integrated in the EPSRC Fellowship VERA, brings together leading organisations – including NASA, Airbus, and Rolls-Royce – to develop cutting-edge, data-enhanced numerical methods that will transform how future aircraft are conceived and certified.

You will work within the PinhoLab (led by Prof. Silvestre Pinho, Airbus Chair), recognised for developing numerical and experimental methods and for shaping global conversations on sustainability. The group’s work has been featured in TEDx talks, the UK Parliament, and various media outlets including the BBC, and its members have earned numerous international awards. Learn more at https://pinholab.cc.ic.ac.uk.

Your goal: Develop advanced numerical methods to enable efficient structural simulation of novel aircraft configurations – essential as aviation transitions to alternative fuels. These methods will also expand the role of simulation in certification, dramatically accelerating innovation cycles.

What you will gain:

• Expertise in Finite Element Analysis, Scientific Machine Learning, Uncertainty Quantification, and Professional Programming Standards.
• Deep understanding of aircraft design and certification processes.
• Opportunities to collaborate with NASA, Airbus, and other global leaders.
• Present your research at top international conferences.
• Optional experience in co-supervising MSc theses related to your PhD, as well as assisting with undergraduate labs (with additional pay).

Career paths: Alumni from PinhoLab are highly sought after by aerospace companies, space agencies, advanced technology companies and academia. You could pursue roles in structural analysis, simulation and certification, data-driven design, or research leadership in industry or academia. Many alumni progress to senior engineering positions, R&D leadership, entrepreneurial ventures in sustainable aviation as well as to faculty positions in academia.

This PhD is a chance to shape the future of sustainable aviation while building a career at the intersection of science, engineering, and global impact.

Supervisors: Prof. Silvestre Pinho

Duration: 3.5 years.

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

Eligibility: Due to the competitive nature of these studentships, candidates will be expected to achieve/have achieved a First class honours MEng/MSci or higher degree (or international equivalent) in: Aeronautics, Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

A keen affinity for programming is essential. Experience with numerical methods, finite element method, statistics and machine learning is desirable.

How to apply:

• Stage 1: Submit your 2-page curriculum vitae (CV), transcripts and a 300-word statement explaining your motivation for applying to this PhD Studentship to: Supervisor Review Form. Our supervisors will perform a comprehensive review to long-list candidates.
• Deadline: 8 January 2026
• Stage 2: Supervisors will email further instructions and an application link to long-listed candidates, inviting them to make a formal application to the PhD Studentship.

Contact: For questions about the project: Prof. Silvestre Pinho

For queries regarding the application process, email Lisa Kelly, PhD Administrator

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:Imperial is committed to equality and valuing diversity. We are an Athena SWAN Silver Award winner, a Stonewall Diversity Champion, a Disability Confident Employer and are working in partnership with GIRES to promote respect for trans people.