communities to co-create the clean energy solutions that will define urban life for generations to come. By fostering deep, synergistic collaboration across public and private sectors, the Centre provides a clear and actionable pathway to sustainable, responsible and renewable energy supply and consumption at city scale and far beyond.
Research areas and PhD experience
The Centre undertakes fundamental multidisciplinary research and development in renewable energy – including solar, heat pumps and wind energy and how those systems can be implemented through innovative city design, city transformation and systems, as well as the living and working behaviours. The work will involve travel to China and within the UK.
Research is multi- and interdisciplinary, taking a systemic approach to sustainability that addresses people, technology and context. The successful candidate will work across several topic areas to research and develop sustainable solutions that can be implemented at scale. The ideal candidate is a team player with a passion for sustainable deep-tech, innovation and unconventional problem solving.
This is a studio-based PhD. Candidates work within a collaborative design studio and lab environment where ideas are developed, prototyped and critiqued alongside peers, academics and industry partners. Research is led by design thinking and creative practice combining rigorous investigation with hands-on making iteration and real-world application. This places design at the centre of the research process encouraging candidates to translate complex sustainability challenges into tangible implementable solutions for future cities.
Interested Candidates:
Prospective candidates should email Dr Elena Dieckmann and Prof Peter Childs, CC-ing Dr Fei Teng by midnight on Aug 15th with:
- their CV;
- a short (< 1 page) statement of interest;
- and a clear indication of their fee status.
Interviews are expected to be online during the period 20th August – 26th August 2026. We expect candidates to be notified about the outcome at the start of September.
Candidates from a wide range of engineering, science and design backgrounds are encouraged to apply. A strong motivation to engage with interdisciplinary research, and to develop skills beyond one’s initial field of training is essential. The studentship covers full stipend at UKRI rates for three years and tuition fees for candidates with UK home-fee status only (please see Imperial guidance if you are unsure of your fee status); overseas tuition fees cannot be covered.
Entry requirements
To be considered, applicants must provide the following (via the Imperial Submission portal prior to interview)
- A Master’s degree (1st / Distinction) in a STEM or related discipline
- Two letters of reference
Contact
- Dr Elena Dieckmann (Co-Director) — emd113@ic.ac.uk
- Professor Peter Childs FREng (Director) — p.childs@imperial.ac.uk
- Dr Fei Teng (Co-Director) — f.teng@imperial.ac.uk
Funding Notes
NICE-Imperial Centre of Excellence – Create Futures, Imperial College London
This is a fully funded home PhD scholarship at Imperial College London through the NICE Imperial Centre of Excellence – Create Futures, on the theme of Sustainable Megacity Design. The National Innovation Centre par Excellence (NICE) is a comprehensive innovation centre joint between the Shanghai municipality and Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui provinces.
The doctoral programme is due to begin in late September 2026. The application deadline is 15th of August 2026.
