Join us

To succeed at research, we look for a candidate with curiosity, motivation and drive, as well as an all-consuming interest. We utilize concepts in mechanics, geometry and fabrication to explore the notion of intelligent and reprogrammable matter. We strive to be scientifically rigorous, societally impactful and aesthetically beautiful. Here are some requirements:

• Fundamentals in solid mechanics.
• Programming proficiency in Python (necessary) and C (bonus).
• Experience with finite element analysis, CAD, additive manufacturing, or robotics.
• Clear, proactive communication, and the ability to work both independently and in a team.
• Honesty and reliability. We credit contributions and give direct feedback.

What we offer

• Training in experimental mechanics, advanced manufacturing, and architected materials, spanning experiment, computation, and theory.
• Access to the group's fabrication and testing equipment and to the department's and the College's facilities and computing resources.
• A collaborative environment across engineering, with opportunities for co-authored publications, conference travel, and cross-disciplinary projects.
• Mentoring and career development with the recognition that all this is, at a fundamental level, human enterprise.

The requirements specific to each level are set out below, followed by how to apply. Advertised positions are listed under Current vacancies.

PhD study at the Department of Aeronautics is a 4-year full-time research degree. Applications open in October to start one year later (also in October). The department's PhD opportunities and funding page and the College's guide to PhD study describe the process in full. Funding routes, with deadlines and eligibility rules, are listed under PhD funding.

Requirements and funding

Requirements

• An excellent academic trajectory, e.g., first-class degree in engineering, the physical sciences, mathematics, or a related discipline. Candidates for scholarships need a first-class degree or a distinction at master's level.
• Prior research experience or publications are an advantage but not required.

What to send is set out under How to apply.

Funding

Applicants are considered automatically for the scholarships for which they are eligible. The funding routes, with their deadlines and eligibility rules, are on the PhD funding page.

Funded positions and joint fellowship applications at the intersection of mechanics, geometry, and fabrication. The fellowship schemes the group hosts, with deadlines and eligibility, are listed under Postdoctoral fellowships.

Requirements and fellowships

Requirements

• PhD in Aerospace, Mechanical or Civil Engineering, Applied Physics or Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Expertise in some of the following: experimental mechanics, architected materials, origami and kirigami, computational optimization, additive manufacturing.
• Excellent academic track record including publications and conference presentations.
• Ability to lead projects and mentor students.

Fellowship opportunities

We host fellowship applications and prepare the proposal together with the candidate. The schemes, with their deadlines and eligibility rules, are on the Postdoctoral fellowships page.

What to send is set out under How to apply.

UROP placements, final-year projects, and master's projects for Imperial students.

Requirements, projects, and UROP

Requirements

• Helpful skills: Python coding, CAD (Rhino3D), 3D printing, basic electronics and instrumentation, data analysis, or finite element tools.
• Coursework in mechanics or materials is beneficial.
• A time commitment of roughly 8 to 16 hours per week during term, or full-time in the summer.

What you will do

• Contribute to projects in architected materials, origami, or 3D printing and mechanical testing.
• Build reproducible tools (scripts, datasets, small libraries) and co-author posters or papers when appropriate.
• Take part through UROP, a final-year project, a master's project, or summer research, with hourly compensation as funding allows.
• Current final-year and master's project topics are listed under Available projects.

UROP placements

The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme is open to current Imperial undergraduates; students from other universities can also be registered, subject to eligibility. Central bursary applications open in early January and close in mid-February, and the supervisor's supporting statement is due in late February, for placements over the following summer. Students who want to work with us should contact us by December.

What to send is set out under How to apply.

Visiting students and researchers with their own funding are welcome for short or extended stays.

How to arrange a visit

Who visits

We host visiting PhD students, postdocs, and academics who hold their own funding, for periods from a few weeks to a year. Visitors work with the group on a problem agreed in advance and have access to the group's fabrication and testing equipment.

What to send is set out under How to apply.

Applying has two steps. First, enquire by email. Do not apply through the College or a funder before we have spoken. Second, if we decide to proceed, make the formal application with Dr. Chen named on it.

Step 1: Enquire by email

Write to Dr. Chen at tian.chen@imperial.ac.uk. Put the category in the subject line: "PhD enquiry", "Postdoc enquiry", "Student project enquiry", or "Visitor enquiry". Write the message for this group specifically; a message that has clearly been sent to many groups at once is easy to recognise and does not help your case. Enquiries missing any of the items listed below will not be answered.

PhD applicants send:

• A CV of no more than two pages, including degree grades and any publications, posters, or open-source contributions.
• A cover message of at most one page describing why the project interests you and what relevant experience you bring.
• Transcripts of your undergraduate and, if applicable, master's degrees; unofficial copies are fine.
• The names of two academic referees.
• Your target start date, and any funding you have already secured or applied for.

Postdoctoral applicants for an advertised position send a cover letter describing your research fit and goals, a CV with publications and contact information for two to three references, and a critical review of one of the group's publications. For a fellowship application hosted by the group, send:

• A CV of no more than four pages.
• A two-page description of the research you want to pursue in the AIM Lab, written by you, covering the scientific question, the intended approach, and the expected outcomes.
• The fellowship or fellowships you intend to apply for, with target deadlines.
• A short paragraph on how the proposed work connects to your PhD and any prior postdoctoral experience.
• The names of your PhD supervisor and, if applicable, your most recent postdoctoral supervisor, with an indication that they are willing to act as referees.

Undergraduate and master's students send a short paragraph on your interests and availability, a CV or resume, and an unofficial transcript. Enquiries are reviewed on a rolling basis as projects open. For a UROP placement, write by December for the following summer.

Visitors write at least three months ahead of the intended dates with the dates, the source of funding, a short description of the proposed work and its relation to our research, and a CV.

Step 2: Formal application, if we decide to proceed

PhD applicants apply through Imperial's online application system, naming Dr. Chen as proposed supervisor and quoting the advertised project where there is one. The College application requires a CV of at most two pages, a research proposal and personal statement of at most two pages covering motivation, proposed project, and methods, contact details for two academic referees at institutional email addresses, and the funding you are seeking. Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by at least two academic staff for 30 to 40 minutes, in person or online, and decisions follow within 8 to 10 weeks of applying. Advertised projects are listed under Current vacancies; funding routes and timing under PhD funding.

Postdoctoral applicants to an advertised position apply to the advert through Imperial's jobs portal, quoting its reference; each advert is linked from Current vacancies. For a fellowship, the application goes to the funder and is prepared together over two to four months, with the group providing letters of support and institutional endorsement where required. The schemes are listed under Postdoctoral fellowships.

Undergraduate and master's students have no separate College application at this stage. UROP placements are registered through the UROP scheme once agreed, and final-year and master's projects are allocated through your department's project selection.

Visitors are registered by the department once the visit is agreed. Visa and registration procedures at Imperial are the reason for the three months' lead time.