PhD Studentship - The Role of Turbulence Intermittency in Cloud Physics

PhD Studentship - The Role of Turbulence Intermittency in Cloud Physics

Imperial College London
London, United Kingdom

This funded doctoral studentship at Imperial College London's Department of Aeronautics invites ambitious researchers to investigate fundamental challenges in cloud physics and turbulence, with a focus on how intermittent turbulent processes influence rainfall formation in warm cumulus clouds. Clouds are not only visually iconic but are also central to precipitation and climate systems. Early rain formation in clouds occurs on time scales too short to be explained by condensation alone, highlighting the pivotal role of turbulence in driving droplet collisions and coalescence. This studentship offers the opportunity to work as part of a collaborative research team under the ERC-funded TITCHY project, gaining expertise in high-fidelity experimental techniques or numerical simulation approaches to understand how turbulence intermittency affects entrainment at cloud boundaries or droplet-turbulence interactions. Students will engage with cutting edge laser diagnostics or direct numerical simulation (CFD) and present their findings to the international scientific community.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should hold, or be expected to achieve, a first class honours degree (such as MEng or MSci) or an equivalent qualification in aeronautical or mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, physics, or a related STEM discipline. Previous experience with turbulence research is beneficial but not required.

Required Expertise, Skills

Successful candidates will develop capabilities in experimental and/or computational methods for turbulence research. Those opting for the experimental route will work with advanced diagnostics such as particle tracking and particle image velocimetry in wind tunnel studies, while those choosing simulations will apply high fidelity CFD techniques. Strong analytical skills, curiosity about fluid dynamics, and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment will support success in this project.

Salary Details

The studentship includes full coverage of tuition fees and provides an annual tax free stipend of £22,780, available to Home, EU, and International students for the duration of the programme.

Application Deadline

The closing date for applications is 30 April 2026, for study commencing in October 2026.