The Nuclear Physics Research Centre at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is inviting applications for a fully-funded PhD studentship. The successful applicant will join a well-established programme of research in experimental nuclear physics.
The PhD project is concerned with the study of pear-shaped atomic nuclei using gamma-ray spectroscopy to determine the properties of excited states such as their energies and lifetimes. The PhD project is based in the UK but experiments will be carried out at overseas particle-accelerator laboratories such as JYFL (Jyväskylä, Finland), ISOLDE-CERN (Geneva), Legnaro National Laboratory (Padova, Italy), and Argonne National Laboratory (Chicago). Typically we create the nuclei of interest using nuclear reactions induced using beams of ions from particle accelerators, and we subsequently detect the radiation emitted by the reaction products which can provide information on their structure and properties. The PhD project will include setting up and running experiments as well as analysis of data from the experiments. Experience of computing or an aptitude for computing would be an advantage.
The studentship is fully funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). The funding will cover tuition fees and will provide a standard research-council stipend of approximately £19k per year.
Applicants should have, or expect to be awarded, a first-class or upper second-class Honours degree or a master’s degree in Physics or a related subject. Applicants should also have a willingness to travel to conduct research at overseas laboratories. The studentship is open to UK citizens and applicants with pre-settled or settled status.
The studentship will start on 1st October 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.
We would be happy to discuss the project with potential applicants. For further information, please contact Professor John F. Smith by email to John.F.Smith@uws.ac.uk.
Applications should be made through the online application form at https://www.uws.ac.uk/study/research-degrees/admissions-application/
