The University of Nottingham, in partnership with Airbus, is offering a PhD Funded Studentship in Sustainable Aviation Designing fuels for Future. The position covers tuition fees and provides a £24,000 annual stipend for four years.

Eligibility for this PhD studentship is limited to UK (Home fees) citizens due to funding restrictions. Applicants must hold or expect to achieve at least a high 2:1 honours degree, preferably a first-class degree, in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline. Strong knowledge of chemical experimental techniques is essential, along with the ability to work effectively in a team.

The University of Nottingham is a leading public research university in the UK, known for its strong emphasis on innovation, global outlook, and academic excellence. With campuses in the UK, China, and Malaysia, it offers a truly international learning environment. The university is renowned for its strengths in engineering, science, medicine, and social sciences, and is a member of the prestigious Russell Group.

Application Deadline: 31 October 2025

Brief Description

• University or Organization: University of Nottingham (in partnership with Airbus)

• Department: Faculty of Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Systems Research Group

• Course Level: PhD

• Award: Tuition fees and a tax-free stipend of £24,000 per annum for 4 years

• Access Mode: Online application via email submission

• Number of Awards: One

• Nationality: UK (Home fees status only)

• The award can be taken in: United Kingdom

Eligibility

• Eligible Countries: United Kingdom (Home fees citizens only)

• Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship will be awarded for a PhD in Engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical or Aerospace Systems, or related fields.

• Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Hold, or expect to achieve, a high 2:1 or preferably 1st class honours degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.

  • Demonstrate good knowledge and/or experience in chemical experimental techniques.

  • Be able to work effectively as part of a team.

  • Have prior experience in computational chemistry, analytical chemistry, or chemical engineering (advantageous but not essential).

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send the following documents to [email protected]

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Cover letter

• Academic transcripts

Informal enquiries can be directed to Prof. Carol Eastwick at [email protected]

Benefits

• Full coverage of tuition fees.

• Annual tax-free stipend of £24,000 for 4 years.

• Opportunity to spend part of the PhD at the Airbus site in Bristol.

• Supervision and training from both the University of Nottingham and Airbus.

• Hands-on research experience in sustainable aviation fuels, fuel system design, and testing.

• Involvement with advanced techniques including computational modelling, analytical methods, and potentially machine learning applications.

Apply Now