A funded PhD studentship is available to a chemistry/geochemistry (or related discipline) graduate with interests in nuclear and environmental radiochemistry. Uranium is a key contaminant from nuclear fuel cycle activities and understanding its chemical behaviour in complex environmental systems is essential for the safe and efficient decommissioning and clean-up of nuclear legacy sites and the long-term disposal of radioactive wastes. This exciting project will develop and combine cutting-edge laboratory- and synchrotron-based methods to fully understand and predict the (bio)geochemical processes that influence uranium redox behaviour under environmentally relevant conditions. There will be a particular focus on non-crystalline uranium species that can form under anoxic, reducing conditions.
The successful candidate will apply novel experimental approaches to study and directly measure the redox behaviour of uranium (and other radionuclides), applying both electrochemical and microbial redox manipulation methods. These experiments will be supported by a suite of state-of-the-art analytical techniques (X-ray spectroscopy, electron microscopy) to understand the mechanisms controlling molecular-scale radionuclide speciation as the redox environment is altered, and how this relates to radionuclide mobility in the environment. The experimental research project will be carried out in the University of Manchester’s Radioactive waste Disposal and Environmental Remediation National Nuclear User Facility (RADER NNUF) environmental radioactivity lab suite (https://www.ees.manchester.ac.uk/wrc/research/facilities/rader/), and will include solid- and solution-phase characterisation techniques.
The successful applicant will join a welcoming, vibrant group of 20+ researchers working in the fields of environmental chemistry, (geo)microbiology and radioactivity, and will receive training in a wide range of experimental techniques and methodologies including the handling of radioactive materials and synchrotron-based analyses. They will have the opportunity to present their research results at national and international conferences, to both academic and nuclear industry audiences. The project benefits from established links to the UK nuclear industry and the unique RADER NNUF research facilities in the University of Manchester’s Department of Earth and Environmental Science. Furthermore, we have established links to cutting-edge synchrotron X-ray experiments via the Diamond Light Source and other synchrotron facilities.
Funding
This 3.5-year PhD studentship is open to Home (UK) applicants. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26; subject to annual uplift), and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year.
Before you apply
In the first instance, please contact Tom Neill (Thomas.neill@manchester.ac.uk) in relation to applications. Applicants are expected to hold, or about to obtain, a minimum upper second class undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Geochemistry or Geosciences or a closely related discipline. A Masters degree in a relevant subject, and/or experience in handling and analysis of environmental samples containing radionuclides are desirable.
How to apply
You will need to submit an online application through our website here: https://uom.link/pgr-apply
Please also put a clear subject line in the email – e.g. I wish to apply for Retrieved Augmented Generation with Data Lakes and Knowledge Graphs, from your name
When you apply, you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:
- Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
- Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
- CV
- You will be asked to supply contact details for two referees on the application form (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/ work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
- Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it.
- English Language certificate (if applicable). If you require an English qualification to study in the UK, you can apply now and send this in at a later date.
If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk
We recommend that you apply early as the advert will be removed once the position has been filled.
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.
We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).
