Research Assistant/Associate in Aircraft Multidisciplinary Design Optimisation
Develop cutting-edge computational tools for next-generation aircraft wing design with Airbus and the Aerospace Technology Institute.
Best for:Best for researchers with a PhD or equivalent experience in aerospace, mechanical engineering, or related fields, skilled in computational modelling, design optimisation, and GPU-accelerated scientific computing using Python and JAX.
Overview
This position at Imperial College London offers the opportunity to contribute to an industry-funded project focused on advancing aircraft wing design through computational optimisation. The role involves creating algorithms that integrate dynamic aeroelasticity into the design process, leveraging high-performance computing and GPU acceleration. You will collaborate with Airbus and the Aerospace Technology Institute to develop scalable frameworks for early-stage aircraft design, addressing challenges like turbulence and structural constraints. The position is ideal for candidates with expertise in computational modelling, design optimisation, and scientific computing, particularly those interested in bridging aerospace engineering with advanced computational methods.
What you'll do
- Develop computational methods for wing optimisation that account for nonlinear dynamic aeroelastic behaviour under various scenarios.
- Design and implement GPU-accelerated algorithms for large-scale parameter space exploration and optimisation.
- Integrate dynamic aeroelasticity into aircraft design optimisation frameworks that scale to industrial-level analysis.
- Collaborate with Airbus and the Aerospace Technology Institute to embed optimisation outcomes into structural sizing and failure analysis tools.
- Present research findings at international conferences and industry events.
- Supervise and manage project tasks, fostering collaboration within a multidisciplinary team.
Requirements
Degree required: PhD in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial, or commercial experience. For Research Assistant roles, a first-class master’s degree (or equivalent) is required.
Language: English; proficiency sufficient for academic and professional communication
Instruction: English
- Experience in computational modelling and design optimisation, preferably in an aircraft design context
- Proficiency in scientific computing using Python and JAX
- Experience with machine learning algorithms and GPU computing
- Ability to work collaboratively in a large research group and with industry partners
- No explicit nationality or residency restrictions mentioned
- Open to candidates who have not yet officially awarded their PhD (appointed as Research Assistant)
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-20
Applicants must submit their CV and cover letter through the Imperial College London job portal. Ensure your application highlights relevant experience in computational modelling, design optimisation, and scientific computing. Include details of any prior collaboration with industry or academic research.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Proof of degree (PhD or master’s) if applicable
- Academic transcripts (if not already awarded PhD)
Contact
Silvestre Pinho· Supervisor/Contact Person
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