We are looking for PhD candidates to join our team as part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Net Zero Aviation. This is a fully funded PhD (fees and bursary) in aircraft ice protection system design and optimisation in collaboration with EPSRC, AeroTex UK LLP and Cranfield University.
This PhD project lies within the discipline of atmospheric icing science, specifically at the intersection of aircraft systems design, thermal management, and artificial intelligence/machine learning. It focuses on electrothermal ice protection systems (ETIPS), which prevent hazardous ice accretion on wings, rotors, engine inlets and other critical surfaces using embedded electrical heating. ETIPS technology is highly relevant due to the global shift toward More Electric and hybrid-electric aircraft configurations due to superior energy efficiency, lower emissions and better integration with composite structures. Optimising their performance with AI/ML is critical for meeting reducing power consumption, and enabling safer, more sustainable operations in icing conditions for next-generation commercial, regional and unmanned platforms.
The aim of this research project is to develop novel methods to optimise de-ice ETIPS, which will replace current manual and slow processes. It is envisaged that the PhD research will develop a range of novel agent based AI/ML techniques and neural networks to enable the exploration of this high-dimensional design space. This will be combined with traditional gradient-based optimisation approaches. This capability will enable for the first time to get a fast and accurate understanding of the de-ice ETIP design space.
As part of this project, you will join a multidisciplinary team with experience in multiscale, experimental and numerical icing simulations, aerodynamics, systems design and optimisation. The sponsor for this project is AeroTex UK LLP, a SME based in the UK, that specialises in aircraft icing with research projects focussing on the fundamentals of ice accretion physics, the practicalities of ice protection system design, and the icing certification process.
The project will integrate high-fidelity multi-physics simulations with AI/ML surrogate models and multi-objective optimisation algorithms to efficiently explore the complex ETIPS design space. This will enable rapid exploration of heater layouts, zoning strategies, and power-density distributions. New machine-learning-driven strategies will support adaptive scheduling, predictive control, and semi-autonomous operation of ETIPS under highly variable icing conditions. These novel operational methods will improve robustness and energy efficiency of the system.
The PhD offers the candidate a unique opportunity to work directly with AeroTex UK LLP and benefit from their vast experience in icing science and engineering to develop advanced ice protection systems. AeroTex UK will provide access to their state-of-the-art icing codes and train the candidate on their use. The PhD candidate will be able to attend international conferences and workshops along with attending specialist MSc modules if required. The programme includes regular reviews and presentations with the industrial partners.
The student will acquire highly sought-after expertise in the application of advanced AI/ML techniques (including surrogate modelling, reinforcement learning, and multi-objective optimisation) to complex aerospace engineering problems. They will develop strong capabilities in multiphysics simulation, thermal systems design, data-driven optimisation, and high-performance computing. Key transferable skills include machine learning development, uncertainty quantification, collaborative research, technical communication, and the ability to translate AI solutions into real-world engineering systems. These skills would make the student a future leader in the aerospace sector and broader intelligent systems industries, positioning the graduate strongly for research, innovation, or academic careers.
At a glance
- Application deadline17 Jun 2026
- Award type(s)PhD
- Start date28 Sep 2026
- Duration of award4 years (full-time)
- EligibilityUK
- Reference numberCRAN-0083
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. This project would suit students with an aerospace or mechanical engineering background. Experience of icing science and engineering, computational fluid dynamics, aircraft or mechanical system design and computer code development would be an advantage. Broader experience of aerothermal engineering, computational modelling and optimisation methods would also be an advantage.
Funding
To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be classified as a Home fee status student. Eligibility for Home fee status is determined with reference to UK Department for Education rules. As a guiding principle UK or Irish nationals who are ordinarily resident in either the UK or Republic of Ireland pay Home tuition fees. All other students (including those from the Channel Islands and Isle of Man) pay Overseas fees. Further advice can be found on the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website.
Diversity and Inclusion at Cranfield
We are committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in our CDT program, and warmly encourage applications from students of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups. We particularly welcome students with disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, and those who identify with diverse ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, and socioeconomic statuses. Cranfield strives to provide an accessible and inclusive environment to enable all doctoral candidates to thrive and achieve their full potential.
At Cranfield, we value our diverse staff and student community and maintain a culture where everyone can work and study together harmoniously with dignity and respect. This is reflected in our University values of ambition, impact, respect and community. We welcome students and staff from all backgrounds from over 100 countries and support our staff and students to realise their full potential, from academic achievement to mental and physical wellbeing.
We are committed to progressing the diversity and inclusion agenda, for example; gender diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through our Athena SWAN Bronze award and action plan, we are members of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) and Working Families, and sponsors of International Women in Engineering Day. We are also Disability Confident Level 1 Employers and members of the Business Disability Forum and Stonewall University Champions Programme.
Cranfield Doctoral Network
Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.
How to apply
For further information please contact:
Name: Dr Abhay Vincent or Dr Fernando Tejero
Email: abhau.vincent@cranfield.ac.uk or f.tejero@cranfield.ac.uk
1st interview expected 23 June.
2nd interview expected 30 June.
If you are eligible to apply for this studentship, please complete the online application form.
Applications should be submitted as soon as possible, as the interview process will begin within the application period due to high demand.
This vacancy may be filled before the closing date so early application is strongly encouraged.
Please ensure that your fully completed online application form is submitted by the application closing date. All requested documentation should be uploaded to the online form before submission. Note, your application will not be considered unless all relevant documents have been uploaded. For more information please visit Applying for a research degree.
