PhD Studentship in timber and fire at Imperial College London

Applications are invited for a PhD studentship in the field of fire science and artificial intelligence funded by EPSRC and Arup.

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The objective of the PhD thesis is to understand how a fire behaves inside a compartment made of timber. The work will contribute towards better fire engineering design of tall timber in the UK and worldwide. The method of research will be based on computational modelling of fire phenomena in combination with artificial intelligence.

Innovative wood product like cross-laminated timber are revolutionizing the construction industry. However, all wood products are flammable to a degree and therefore fire engineering is required for safe design. The results of this PhD thesis can help to unlock timber’s potential as a construction materials leading to safer, more efficient, and more sustainable construction of high-rise buildings.


The student will join Imperial Hazelab, the multidisciplinary research group led by Prof Guillermo Rein, part of the Thermofluids Division in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College London. The purpose of the group is to reduce the worldwide burden of accidental fires and protect people, their property, and the environment. 

More about Imperial Hazelab: Visit our website Imperial Hazelab, watch the promotional video, and browse through our research papers.


If interested in this opportunity, you would be an enthusiastic person who believes in the power of engineering to deliver a better world and who wants to work in the heart of London. You would have a degree in engineering, and an rigorous approach to science. Good knowledge in heat transfer and computational methods are essential. Good team-working and communication skills are essential as well. Knowledge in fire science and timber are desired but not essential prior the project.
Candidates should fulfil the residence requirements of EPSRC for stipend and fees (UK citizens or long term resident). You can check your eligibility here.

For further details of the PhD studentship, contact Prof Guillermo Rein. Position open until filled.