PhD Studentship in Aeronautics: Novel algorithms for load rebalancing of adaptive mesh simulations on heterogeneous clusters (AE0075)

Start Date: Between 1 August 2026 and 1 July 2027

Introduction: This PhD is aligned with an exciting new multi-centre research programme on parallel mesh generation for advancing cutting-edge high-fidelity industrial simulation. Engineering applications include Formula 1, turbomachinery and nuclear fusion. These problems exhibit complex geometries and challenging time-varying physics which require adaptation of the mesh during simulation to resolve and track features in the flow. The focus of your PhD would be on developing novel algorithms to efficiently redistribute and rebalance the parallel simulation workload and update the solver data structures when the mesh changes. These approaches would be applied on modern large-scale heterogeneous parallel computing environments where both CPUs and GPUs are utilised in the computation. You will be part of the Nektar++ group and will be contributing towards the development of this advanced C++ software framework.

The PhD will provide you with training and experience in a range of industrially relevant computational engineering techniques. You will develop expertise in high-order finite element methods, mesh adaptation techniques, advanced parallel programming and debugging, as well as software engineering best practices. You will have access to cutting-edge computational resources, including the latest Imperial College HPC clusters, and UK National Supercomputer facilities. You will also be able to grow your professional network through collaborating with researchers on the project based at Swansea University, Kings College London, Queens University Belfast and the University of Edinburgh.

Supervisors: Dr Chris Cantwell, Prof. Spencer Sherwin

Duration: 3.5 years.

Funding: Full coverage of tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend of £22,780 for Home, EU and International students.

Eligibility: Due to the competitive nature of these studentships, candidates will be expected to achieve/have achieved a First class honours MEng/MSci or higher degree (or international equivalent) in: Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, or a related discipline.

We would also like to see enthusiasm for collaboration and software engineering, experience of C++ programming and good communication skills.

How to apply:

• Stage 1: Submit your 2-page curriculum vitae (CV), transcripts and a 300-word statement explaining your motivation for applying to this PhD Studentship to: Supervisor Review Form. Our supervisors will perform a comprehensive review to long-list candidates.

Deadline: 8 January 2026

• Stage 2: Supervisors will email further instructions and an application link to long-listed candidates, inviting them to make a formal application to the PhD Studentship.

Contact: For questions about the project: Dr Chris Cantwell

For queries regarding the application process, email Lisa Kelly, PhD Administrator

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Imperial is committed to equality and valuing diversity. We are an Athena SWAN Silver Award winner, a Stonewall Diversity Champion, a Disability Confident Employer and are working in partnership with GIRES to promote respect for trans people.

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