Nuclear energy delivers reliable, carbon-free energy and in recent years, the UK Government has committed to nuclear both for energy security and net zero drivers. Critical challenges in the nuclear fuel cycle remain, in particular in managing nuclear waste (cost over £120bn), including complex decommissioning and disposal challenges which require fundamental, environmental radiochemistry research. X-ray spectroscopy is a highly sensitive technique for studying materials, solution-phase chemistry, and the electronic structure of complexes, all of which are key areas for progress in the nuclear fuel cycle. Interpreting actinide X-ray spectra, however, is extremely challenging due to presence of multiplet and spin-orbit effects, and is further complicated by environmental effects, such as those present in contaminated water and land. This PhD studentship, developed in collaboration with X-ray spectroscopists and environmental radiochemists, will implement advanced computational models of environmental speciation with correlated quantum chemistry methods for i) solid-state materials and ii) solution phase speciation of actinides. By directly comparing simulations with spectra of environmental samples, this project will reveal insight to actinide behaviour under conditions relevant to the nuclear fuel cycle and establish a new, integrated framework with experimentalists to advance understanding of actinide environmental chemistry.
Eligibility
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.
Funding
This 3.5 year PhD project is fully funded and home students, and EU students with settled status, are eligible to apply. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. The start date is October 2026.
We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.
Before you apply
We strongly recommend that you contact the main supervisor for this project, Dr Meagan Oakley - meagan.oakley@manchester.ac.uk, before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience in CV format and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.
How to apply
Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425
When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.
Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
After you have applied 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
- 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).
- Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
- English Language certificate (if applicable)
If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.
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).
