PhD Studentship with the Leverhulme Trust - Experimental Investigation of Phase Change Mechanisms in Aircraft Contrail Formation
University of Cambridge
Contrail formation remains one of the least understood yet most climate-relevant impacts of aviation. Persistent contrails can evolve into cirrus-like clouds that significantly affect Earth's radiative balance, but the physical mechanisms governing their formation particularly in the near-field region immediately downstream of aircraft engines remain poorly characterised. This fully funded PhD studentship is part of a Leverhulme Trust Research Project entitled "Bridging the scale gap: From non-equilibrium thermo...
Contrail formation remains one of the least understood yet most climate-relevant impacts of aviation. Persistent contrails can evolve into cirrus-like clouds that significantly affect Earth's radiative balance, but the physical mechanisms governing their formation particularly in the near-field region immediately downstream of aircraft engines remain poorly characterised. This fully funded PhD studentship is part of a Leverhulme Trust Research Project entitled "Bridging the scale gap: From non-equilibrium thermo...
Opportunity details
Contrail formation remains one of the least understood yet most climate-relevant impacts of aviation. Persistent contrails can evolve into cirrus-like clouds that significantly affect Earth's radiative balance, but the physical mechanisms governing their formation particularly in the near-field region immediately downstream of aircraft engines remain poorly characterised. This fully funded PhD studentship is part of a Leverhulme Trust Research Project entitled "Bridging the scale gap: From non-equilibrium thermodynamics to contrails". The project combines laboratory-scale experiments with high-fidelity numerical modelling to investigate vapour-liquid-solid phase transitions in aircraft exhaust plumes under controlled conditions, with particular relevance to emerging low-soot propulsion technologies such as sustainable aviation fuels and hydrogen. The PhD project focuses on the experimental investigation of early contrail formation, using a dedicated facility that generates contrail-relevant exhaust flows by injecting a high-speed moist jet into a controlled, cold environment. The student will contribute to the development and application of advanced optical and laser-based diagnostics to characterise condensation, freezing, and particle populations in the evolving plume. The project includes close interaction with numerical simulations, enabling quantitative comparison between experiment and CFD and supporting physical interpretation of the measured processes. While the primary focus of the PhD is experimental, the student will gain experience working at the interface of experiment and high-fidelity modelling in a collaborative research environment. The 3-year studentship is fully funded for home students and includes tuition fees and a tax-free stipend at the UKRI r...
Eligibility
While the primary focus of the PhD is experimental, the student will gain experience working at the interface of experiment and high-fidelity modelling in a collaborative research environment. Applications should include a CV, academic transcripts, and a brief statement outlining the applicant's motivation and relevant background. Applicants should have (or expect to obtain by the start date) at least a good 2.1 degree in Engineering or a closely related subject. The project involves multiphase and particle-laden flows relevant to contrail formation; prior experience in these areas is welcome but not required.
Requirements
While the primary focus of the PhD is experimental, the student will gain experience working at the interface of experiment and high-fidelity modelling in a collaborative research environment. Applications should include a CV, academic transcripts, and a brief statement outlining the applicant's motivation and relevant background. Applicants should have (or expect to obtain by the start date) at least a good 2.1 degree in Engineering or a closely related subject. The project involves multiphase and particle-laden flows relevant to contrail formation; prior experience in these areas is welcome but not required.
Funding and benefits
Funding eligibility: UK Students. Funding amount: Fully Funded (Fees & Stipend).
Required documents
CV, academic transcripts
How to apply
The student will contribute to the development and application of advanced optical and laser-based diagnostics to characterise condensation, freezing, and particle populations in the evolving plume. Applications should include a CV, academic transcripts, and a brief statement outlining the applicant's motivation and relevant background. Applications should be submitted via the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal (via the ‘Apply’ button above), with Dr Katharina Tegethoff identified as the potential supervisor. Applications may close early if the position is filled before the advertised date.
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Recorded source check: October 21, 2026. A stored check date does not guarantee that every field is complete or still current. Compare the provider, eligibility, funding and deadline with the live official call before applying.
Benefits
Funding eligibility: UK Students. Funding amount: Fully Funded (Fees & Stipend).
Eligibility summary
While the primary focus of the PhD is experimental, the student will gain experience working at the interface of experiment and high-fidelity modelling in a collaborative research environment. Applications should include a CV, academic transcripts, and a brief statement outlining the applicant's motivation and relevant background. Applicants should have (or expect to obtain by the start date) at least a good 2.1 degree in Engineering or a closely related subject. The project involves multiphase and particle-laden flows relevant to contrail formation; prior experience in these areas is welcome but not required.
Requirements
While the primary focus of the PhD is experimental, the student will gain experience working at the interface of experiment and high-fidelity modelling in a collaborative research environment. Applications should include a CV, academic transcripts, and a brief statement outlining the applicant's motivation and relevant background. Applicants should have (or expect to obtain by the start date) at least a good 2.1 degree in Engineering or a closely related subject. The project involves multiphase and particle-laden flows relevant to contrail formation; prior experience in these areas is welcome but not required.
Documents required
CV, academic transcripts
Language/test requirements
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