Research Assistant or Associate in Computational Methods for Structural Wing Design

SONICOM; Greater London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sector-leading salary

39 days off

Generous pension schemes

Job summary

Imperial College London is seeking a Research Assistant or Associate to develop integrated computational tools for structural wing design, bridging aeroelasticity, structural analysis and manufacturing constraints. The role offers travel to international conferences and collaboration with Airbus in a major industry-funded project.

You will develop AI-based surrogate models, quantify uncertainties in material properties and integrate these into a multidisciplinary optimisation framework for

Qualifications

• PhD in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• For Research Assistant, PhD not yet awarded is acceptable.
• A recognised first-class Master in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering or related field.

Responsibilities

• Develop computational tools linking aeroelastic analysis with structural sizing and failure assessment.
• Create AI-based structural surrogate frameworks and quantify uncertainties.
• Compute failure index sensitivities using analytical or automatic differentiation.
• Integrate capabilities into a multidisciplinary optimisation framework.
• Collaborate with industry partners and travel to conferences.

Skills

FEM experience

AI surrogate models

Python

Fortran

C++

Education

PhD in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

First-class Master in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Fortran

Python

C++

Job description

Research Assistant or Associate in Computational Methods for Structural Wing Design

This post (Research Assistant/Associate in Computational Methods for Structural Wing Design) will allow you to contribute to a major industry-funded project developing the next generation of aircraft wings, led by Airbus and funded by the Aerospace Technology Institute. You will develop strong research, supervision, network, communication and project management skills. You will gain unique experience developing cutting‑edge computational tools that bridge aeroelasticity, structural analysis and manufacturing constraints for early‑stage design. You will get the opportunity to travel to international scientific conferences and to industry partners (Airbus).

Your work will focus on developing integrated computational tools for structural wing design, linking advanced failure models, uncertainty quantification, and structural surrogate frameworks based on Artificial Intelligence. You will develop tools that bridge from detailed simulation to rapid predictions, compute structural sensitivities, address uncertainty in material properties, and integrate these capabilities into a multi‑disciplinary optimisation framework.

What you would be doing

You will develop computational tools that link aeroelastic analysis with structural sizing and failure assessment for early‑stage wing design. This includes developing AI‑based structural surrogate frameworks, computing failure index sensitivities using analytical or automatic differentiation approaches, quantifying uncertainty in material properties, and integrating these into a multi‑disciplinary optimisation framework.

What we are looking for

Research Associate: Hold a PhD in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.

Research Associate and Assistant: A recognised first class masters degree (or equivalent) in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline

In addition:

Experience in computational mechanics, failure modelling of fibre‑reinforced composites using FEM, use of Artificial Intelligence for surrogate models

• An interest or experience with structural optimisation
• Experience in scientific coding (e.g. Fortran, Python, C++)
• An interest in working in a larger group, collaborating with industry.

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to build a strong network with contacts at Airbus
• The opportunity to develop computational tools for early‑stage aircraft wing design that will inform design practice at Airbus
• Ample scope for travelling to international conferences to disseminate the work done.
• Ample scope for publishing in leading journals.
• The opportunity to gain experience with cutting‑edge computational methods at the interface of aeroelasticity, structural analysis and optimisation.
• The opportunity to gain supervision and project management experience.
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world‑leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Sector‑leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

Further information

This contract is available until 31st October 2029.

If you require any further details on the role please contact: Silvestre Pinho – [e-mail]

Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.

About Imperial

Welcome to Imperial, a global top‑ten university where scientific imagination leads to world‑changing impact.

Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, here at Imperial we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact.

As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you’ll collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses and a global network.

This is your chance to help shape the future. We hope you’ll join us at Imperial College London.

Our Culture

We work towards equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination, and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. You can read more about our commitment on our web pages .

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