PhD Studentship - Physical/Chemical Interactions Across Aerospace Surface Protection Technologies

Research theme: Materials, Polymers and composites, & Coatings and ceramics

How to apply: uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

UK only

This 4-year PhD project is fully funded and home students. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. This project is supported by Airbus through the Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award (IDLA) scheme. The start date is October 2026.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.

Corrosion protection of aircraft structures is achieved through the application of surface treatments, paints, and sealants, which together prevent water ingress and environmental degradation of airframes. Paints and sealants are complex polymer-based systems comprising functional pigments, fillers, and chemically active additives. To ensure long-term durability and structural integrity, these materials must exhibit excellent interfacial compatibility and robust adhesion across a wide range of paint chemistries and service conditions.

This PhD project aims to develop a fundamental, molecular-level understanding of paint-sealant interfacial interactions, focusing on the mechanisms governing adhesion, chemical compatibility, and degradation under realistic aerospace environments. By combining advanced materials characterisation, surface and interface analysis, and advanced testing, the project seeks to create knowledge that will support the development of next-generation, high-performance, and more sustainable corrosion protection solutions for aircraft structures.

The project is a collaboration between Airbus and The University of Manchester, providing the student with a unique opportunity to work at the interface of fundamental research and industrial application. The successful candidate will benefit from direct industry input, access to industrially relevant materials and challenges. This collaboration will equip the student with both deep scientific expertise and valuable experience in an industrial research environment.

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

To apply, please contact the main supervisor, Dr Mingo - beatriz.mingo@manchester.ac.uk. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

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