PhD Studentship in Tribology of Tyre & Road Emissions

About this position

PhD Studentship in Tribology of Tyre & Road Emissions

Project Overview

Applications are invited for a PhD studentship in the Tribology of Tyre and Road particle emissions within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Imperial.

The project is a collaboration between engineering scientists at Imperial College London and medical scientists at the Technical University of Munich, Germany. Within this project, two PhD students will closely collaborate, one will be based at Imperial and one at TUM. Tasks for the PhD student at Imperial's Department of Mechanical Engineering, will include:

• Study the mechanisms involved in wear of rubber materials
• Investigate the generation and dispersion of particulate matter in the tyre-road interaction
• Describe and characterise particle morphology as a function of usage conditions
• Suggests potential interventions to reduce particle emissions using a system's approach

This PhD offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in the field of Tribology , working with leading experts, including the medical scientists at TUM.

Supervision

The successful candidate will be supervised by:

• Professor Marc Masen & Dr Stelios Rigopoulos, daily supervision at Imperial
• Professor Percy Knolle & Dr Michael Dudek (TUM)

This studentship provides:

• Full tuition fees at the UK Home student rate
• Annual tax-free London weighted stipend (2026-27 rate: £23,805 per annum)

Funding is available for a duration of four years, subject to satisfactory progress. A period of study in Munich, Germany is anticipated.

Candidate Requirements

Applicants should have:

• A First-class or Upper Second-class degree (or equivalent), or a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related subject
• Strong interest in tribology, automotive engineering, mobility, particle emissions and reduction of health and ecological impact
• Experience with Experimental or Computational Tribology, Computational Fluid Dynamics and/or data analysis is desirable
• Excellent written and spoken English
• An enquiring and rigorous approach to research together with a strong intellect and disciplined work habits. Good team-working, observational and communication skills are essential.

Research Environment

The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers:

• A vibrant and collaborative research environment
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities
• Opportunities for training and professional development
• A diverse and inclusive academic community

To find out more about research at Imperial College London in this area, go to: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/research/

How to Apply

For further details of the post contact Prof. Marc Masen, m.masen@imperial.ac.uk

Interested applicants should send an up-to-date CV to Prof . Marc Masen

Suitable candidates will be required to complete an electronic application form at Imperial in order for their qualifications and fee status to be assessed by the College Registry.

For guidance on how to apply, go to:

http://www.imperial.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/study/phd/how-to-apply/

Closing Date: Until post filled

Full tuition fees at the UK Home student rate. Annual tax-free London weighted stipend (2026-27 rate: £23,805 per annum)