PhD Studentship: Turbulent/Turbulent Entrainment and Its Importance for Cloud Microphysics

Application deadline: until filled

Start date: September 2024 (flexible)

Applications are invited for a Ph.D. studentship in the Departments of Aeronautics. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work as part of a dedicated team within an ERC project “turbulence intermittency for cloud physics” (TITCHY), underwritten by UKRI, seeking to understand the importance of intermittent turbulent physics on important aspects of cloud microphysics, such as rain initiation in warm cumulus clouds. This project is under the supervision of Dr. Oliver Buxton.

Clouds, which are turbulent environments, exchange mass/moisture/buoyancy/energy with the surrounding air through processes known as turbulent entrainment (transfer from the background to the cloud) and detrainment (transfer from the cloud to the background). In particular warm cumulus clouds (pictured) are primarily situated in the turbulent atmospheric boundary layer meaning that entrainment/detrainment occurs between two adjacent turbulent environments. In recent years Imperial College London have made several breakthroughs in understanding the physics of turbulent/turbulent entrainment and we now seek to apply these to the important problem of cloud microphysics, including phenomena such as rain initiation. We will conduct cutting edge experiments in the state-of-the-art 10x5 wind tunnel at Imperial (the flagship of the National Wind Tunnel Facility) to simulate clouds and how they grow/decay via turbulent/turbulent entrainment.

The post-holder will gain experience in:

• Experimental fluid mechanics using state-of-the-art wind tunnels and measurement techniques;
• Turbulence theory and analytical techniques;
• Droplet dynamics and how thermodynamic and fluidic considerations affect cloud microphysics;
• Working in a multi-disciplinary team on a large research project.

In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to submit publications to refereed journals and to present their findings at major international conferences. 

Applicants should have a strong background in fluid mechanics. The applicant should also have a proven aptitude for practical work and a genuine passion for research. Applications are invited from candidates who possess (or expect to gain) a first-class honours MEng or higher degree or equivalent in Aeronautics, Mechanical Engineering, or related areas.

Imperial College is consistently ranked as one of top universities in the world and top 3 universities within the UK. In 2025 Imperial ranked 2nd in the world in the QS, and 8th in the world in the 2024 THES rankings. It has been ranked as the most innovative university in Europe.

Funding

This studentship is available to students eligible for both home and overseas fees.

Information on fee status can be found at https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/pg/fees-and-funding/tuition-fees/fee-status/

The studentship is for 3.5 years and will provide full coverage of tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend of £20,622. 

If you are interested in applying, I will be happy to address any initial informal enquiries you may have ([email protected] ).

For queries regarding the application process, please contact Lisa Kelly at [email protected] .

Imperial College is committed to equality and valuing diversity. We are an Athena Silver SWAN Award winner and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.