Research Assistant/Associate in Computational Methods for Structural Wing Design
Develop cutting-edge computational tools for next-generation aircraft wing design in collaboration with Airbus.
Best for:Best for researchers with a PhD or equivalent experience in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or related fields, skilled in computational mechanics, AI-based surrogate modeling, and scientific programming (e.g., Python, C++).
Overview
This position at Imperial College London offers the opportunity to contribute to an industry-funded project aimed at advancing aircraft wing design. The role involves developing integrated computational tools that combine aeroelasticity, structural analysis, and artificial intelligence to optimize wing design. You will work closely with Airbus and the Aerospace Technology Institute, gaining experience in advanced failure modeling, uncertainty quantification, and multidisciplinary optimization. The position is ideal for candidates with expertise in computational mechanics, scientific coding, and a passion for aerospace engineering.
What you'll do
- Develop computational tools linking aeroelastic analysis with structural sizing and failure assessment for early-stage aircraft wing design.
- Create AI-based structural surrogate frameworks to enable rapid predictions and reduce simulation time.
- Compute failure index sensitivities using analytical or automatic differentiation approaches.
- Quantify uncertainty in material properties and integrate these capabilities into a multidisciplinary optimization framework.
- Collaborate with Airbus and industry partners to ensure tools align with real-world design constraints.
- Present research findings at international scientific conferences and industry events.
- Supervise and manage project-related tasks, fostering teamwork and communication within a collaborative environment.
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) in the same fields is required.
Language: English; proficiency sufficient for academic and professional communication in an English-speaking environment.
Instruction: English
- Experience in computational mechanics and failure modeling of fiber-reinforced composites using finite element methods (FEM).
- Proficiency in scientific coding using languages such as Python, C++, or Fortran.
- Knowledge of structural optimization techniques.
- Experience with artificial intelligence for surrogate modeling.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team with industry partners.
- No specific 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, cover letter, and any relevant academic or professional documents through the Imperial College London job portal. Ensure all documents are prepared in advance to streamline the application process. For technical issues, contact support.jobs@imperial.ac.uk.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Academic or professional transcripts
- Proof of PhD award (if applicable)
Contact
Silvestre Pinho· Contact for further details
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