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.

PhD study at the Department of Aeronautics is a 4-year full-time research degree. Applications open in October for a start the following October. We look for an excellent academic record, such as a first-class degree in engineering, the physical sciences, mathematics, or a related discipline; scholarships require a first-class degree or a distinction at master's level. Prior research experience is an advantage but not required. Funding routes are listed under PhD funding and advertised projects under Current vacancies.

Advertised positions are listed under Current vacancies. If there are none, we can apply for a fellowship jointly and prepare the proposal together; the schemes are listed under Postdoctoral fellowships. We look for:

• 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.

Imperial students can join the group through a UROP placement, a final-year project, a master's project, or summer research. You contribute to independent projects related to the themes of the group, build reproducible tools (scripts, datasets, small libraries), and co-author posters or papers. Current topics are listed under Available projects.

We look for skills in Python coding, CAD (Rhino3D), 3D printing, basic electronics and instrumentation, data analysis, or finite element tools, and coursework in mechanics and materials or robotics. For a UROP placement over the following summer, contact us by December.

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.

Step 1: Enquire by email

Write to Dr. Chen at tian.chen@imperial.ac.uk before applying through the College or a funder, with the category in the subject line: "PhD enquiry", "Postdoc enquiry", "Student project enquiry", or "Visitor enquiry". Write the message for this group specifically. Enquiries missing any of the items below will not be answered.

PhD applicants send:

• A CV, including degree grades and any publications and other contributions.
• A cover message describing why our group interests you and your relevant experience.
• 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, if applicable, any funding you have already secured or applied for.

Postdoctoral applicants send:

• A cover letter describing your research fit and goals and how they connect to your research experience.
• A CV, including degree grades and any publications and other contributions.
• Contact information of three references, including your PhD supervisor.
• A critical review of one of the group's publications.
• If there are no vacancies, we can apply for a fellowship jointly. In that case, also send a two-page description of the research you want to pursue in the AIM Lab, covering the scientific question, the intended approach, and the expected outcomes, and name the fellowship or fellowships you intend to apply for, with target deadlines.

Undergraduate and master's students send a short paragraph on your interests and availability, a CV or resume, and an unofficial transcript.

Visitors write at least three months ahead 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: apply through Imperial's online application system, naming Dr. Chen as proposed supervisor and quoting the advertised project where there is one.
• Postdoc: apply to the advert through Imperial's jobs portal, quoting its reference. A fellowship application goes to the funder and is prepared together over two to four months.
• Undergraduate and master's: UROP placements are registered through the UROP scheme, and final-year and master's projects are allocated through your department's project selection.
• Visitors: the department registers the visit once it is agreed; visa and registration procedures are the reason for the three months' notice.