Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering - fully funded

Are you excited by developing computational tools for engineering problems where physics reaches its limits? The Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana- Champaign is seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. student to join a fully funded research program focused on computational engineering for extreme environments. The research will develop next-generation computational methods for systems operating under extreme conditions, where conventional modeling approaches struggle to provide accurate and efficient predictions. The work will combine advanced numerical methods, scientific machine learning, uncertainty quantification, and high-performance computing to enable predictive simulations for aerospace, space exploration, advanced materials, and national security applications. Research topics include: Hypersonics, materials and directed energy High-fidelity computational modeling and simulation Scientific machine learning and physics-informed computational methods Multiphysics simulations of extreme environments Uncertainty-aware predictive modeling Large-scale simulations using high-performance computing We are seeking students with strong analytical and computational skills and backgrounds in: Aerospace Engineering Mechanical Engineering Applied Mathematics Physics Computer Science Related computational science and engineering fields Experience with numerical methods, CFD, programming (C++, Fortran, Python, Julia, or similar), machine learning, or high-performance computing is highly desirable. However, curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm for solving challenging multidisciplinary problems are equally valued. The position includes full financial support (subject to funding) and provides opportunities to collaborate with researchers across academia, government laboratories, and industry on cutting-edge computational technologies. Application deadlines: Spring 2027 admission: October 8, 2026 Fall 2027 admission: December 1, 2026 Applications should be submitted through the Aerospace Engineering graduate admissions portal: https:// aerospace.illinois.edu/admissions/graduate/apply-now Applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Daniil Andrienko at daniila@illinois.edu prior to applying through the UIUC website. When contacting me, please include the code word “FRONTIER” in the subject line of your email. Interested students should submit (i) Curriculum vitae (ii) unofficial academic transcripts (iii) Brief statement of research interests and (iv) contact information for 2 references in one merged pdf file.