Evaluating the role of sulphur in aircraft engine particle emissions and contrail formation

Applications are invited for a 4 year PhD studentship starting in Autumn 2025 as part of the EPSRC CDT in Aerosol Science

Project description

Half of aviation’s climate impact is attributed to the radiative forcing of contrails and contrail cirrus. Contrails are formed when ice particles are formed in the exhaust plume of aircraft engines, and we see them as line-shaped clouds trailing behind aircraft. There is recent evidence that changing engine particle emissions, due to engine technology or fuels can reduce contrails. However, there is limited experimental evidence as to the mechanisms by which semi-volatile particles, including sulphur and lubrication oils, could play a role in contrail formation. Further work is needed to understand the precise role that sulphur has in low-soot conditions and this project will build on previous work using controlled laboratory studies.

Dr Marc Stettler would be pleased to discuss this research project further with interested candidates.

About the Centre for Doctoral training in Aerosol Science

Aerosol science is crucial to disciplines as broad ranging as transmission of disease, drug delivery to the lungs, climate change, energy and combustion science, novel materials, and consumer and agricultural products.

An aerosol is any collection of particles dispersed in a gas. The CDT brings together a multi-disciplinary team of 80 post-graduate students and academics from 7 UK universities spanning the physical, environmental and health sciences, and engineering. Our aim is to tackle the global challenges in which aerosol science is key.

Further details are available from our website: https://www.aerosol-cdt.ac.uk/

Doctoral Training in Aerosol Science

During your doctorate, you will learn to research in diverse multidisciplinary teams, gain an advanced understanding of the core physical science of aerosols, and collaborate with industrial and public sector partners, equipping you to undertake ground-breaking research in aerosol science.

During the first 7 months of your PhD, you will join the CDT cohort based at the University of Bristol. Core training in aerosol science, research methods, professionalism and translation will be delivered by Team Based Learning. You will then undertake a short research project at your home or partner institution before starting your PhD research. You will gain experience outside academia in a placement with an industrial/public sector partner in Year 2 or 3.

More Information and How to Apply

Candidates who aspire to work in a multidisciplinary field, and hold or will achieve a minimum of an upper second-class undergraduate degree in any of these areas are encouraged to apply: chemistry, physics, biological sciences, life and medical sciences, mathematics and computer science, chemical and mechanical engineering, pharmaceutical and environmental sciences.

Visit our website:                                             Contact us:

https://www.aerosol-cdt.ac.uk/                    aerosol-science@bristol.ac.uk

Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to furthering issues of equality, diversity and inclusion. We recognise the benefits of recruiting a diverse group of students to the Aerosol CDT and strive to avoid any conscious or unconscious bias in our recruitment. The needs of individuals will be accommodated during the recruitment process and while studying with the CDT. Further information on our commitment to equality and diversity can be found on our website.