PhD Studentship: Sustainable Aviation Fuel Thermochemical Modelling

Area

Engineering

UK Other

Friday 31 July 2026

ENG
400

Applications are invited to undertake a PhD programme, in partnership with Airbus, to address key challenges in ensuring adoption of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) by understanding the thermophysical and thermochemical behaviour across conditions typical of fuel systems. This research will remove barriers to the adoption of SAF, both for current and future fuels.

The research programme will use a mixture of computational, analytical and machine learning approaches to model the heat transfer to fuels and their physical and chemical behaviour, including changes in chemistry and physical properties. The interaction between fuel chemistry and physical behaviour will be investigated. If appropriate experimental analysis to provide validation data will be acquired as part of the PhD, although where possible validation data will be taken from industrial and openly available literature.

The successful candidate will gain experience in computational, analytical and experimental approaches across mechanical and chemical engineering, applied in an aerospace industry context.

The successful candidate will be based in the Mechanical and Aerospace Systems research group (previously known as G2

TRC) within the Faculty of Engineering and will be part of a supportive team of 50 researchers, technicians, support staff and academics. The group has a dynamic research culture with a programme of seminars, writing and social events, with a research office hub providing a quiet working environment with social and meeting spaces.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and self‑motivated person with a rigorous approach to research. Applicants should have or be expected to gain a high 2:1, preferably a 1st class honours degree in Chemical or Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or Chemistry or Computer Science or a related degree. A good knowledge and/or experience in heat transfer is essential, as is the ability to work well in a team.

Prior experience in the areas of computational fluid dynamics, chemistry, machine learning or computational heat transfer will be an advantage.

The successful applicant would be expected to spend part of the PhD period based in Bristol at the Airbus site and will receive supervision support and training from both the University and Airbus. This research will support the path to net zero flights and there may be opportunities to become involved in practical aspects of fuel system design and testing during the PhD.

The PhD studentship will cover fees and tax‑free stipend of £24,000 p.a. for 4 years. Due to funding restrictions this studentship is only available to UK (home fees) citizens.