Imperial College London
London, United Kingdom

This fully funded PhD opportunity at Imperial College London’s Department of Aeronautics invites a curious and motivated researcher to contribute to cutting-edge work at the frontier of structural power composites—an emerging class of materials that simultaneously store electrical energy and carry mechanical loads. Supported through the EPSRC Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award (IDLA) in collaboration with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), this project addresses a critical gap in multifunctional testing and measurement methods that currently limits the deployment of these materials across sectors from aviation to mobile technologies. The successful candidate will join a vibrant research environment, undertaking experimental studies in advanced laboratories and gaining hands-on experience at NPL’s facilities. The PhD research will explore the development of testing coupons that enable simultaneous mechanical and electrochemical measurements, investigate multifunctional coupling phenomena, and support modelling and design tools for applications using structural power composites.

Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should have achieved or be on track to receive a First-class honours MEng/MSci or equivalent in Aeronautics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science or a closely related discipline. The competitive nature of this studentship means that strong academic performance and demonstrated research potential will be key considerations.

Required Expertise, Skills
Candidates should be prepared to engage with interdisciplinary research spanning composite material manufacture and characterisation, multifunctional test method development, and post-failure analysis. Experience with experimental techniques in materials science and an eagerness to adopt new measurement methods will support success in this role. The project also provides exposure to modelling tools and industrial collaboration, offering broad research skill development.

Salary Details
This studentship includes full coverage of tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend of £22,780 for eligible Home students, supporting the researcher throughout the four-year PhD.

Application Deadline
Complete applications are due by 26 March 2026 for entry in October 2026.

Application Link

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