The University of Manchester invites applications for a fully funded PhD position focused on understanding the irradiation behaviour of nuclear graphite material under extreme conditions to ensure the safety of next-generation reactors.
Nuclear graphite is a critical material in advanced and next-generation reactor systems, yet its behaviour under irradiation, particularly at high fluxes and in the presence of fission products at high temperatures, remains poorly understood. This PhD project will explore how radiation damage evolves in graphite and how fission products interact with the microstructure of various proposed nuclear-grade graphite materials. The work combines cutting-edge microscopy, in-situ ion irradiation, in-situ annealing, and mechanical properties analysis to provide new insights into the fundamental mechanisms governing graphite behaviour in nuclear environments.
Data produced as part of this PhD will provide essential guidance to nuclear licensees, stakeholders, and regulators to underpin future safety requirements and the qualification of these materials, as well as to graphite manufacturers to improve these materials and ensure the prolonged safety of proposed reactors.
Join a thriving Nuclear Graphite Research Group (NGRG) comprising full-time students, researchers and academics, with supervision from Dr Emily Aradi (EPSRC Fellow and Radiation damage specialist) and Prof Abbie Jones (Chair in Nuclear Graphite Research Group), as well as work closely with leading experts in materials science, nuclear engineering and advanced microscopy within the University of Manchester community.
The successful candidate will:
-Design experiments: Study radiation-induced changes in graphite using the ion irradiation technique at the state-of-the-art DCF and MIAMI facility, observing defect evolution in real time.
-Develop techniques: Innovate new microstructure characterisation methods for irradiated graphite analyses using advanced microscopy techniques.
-Collaboration: Join a thriving Nuclear Graphite Research Group (NGRG) comprising full-time students, researchers and academics, as well as work closely with leading experts in materials science, nuclear engineering and advanced microscopy within the University of Manchester community
What this opportunity offers:
-Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities, including the Henry Royce Institute (https://www.royce.ac.uk/equipment-and-facilities/) and Dalton Cumbria Facilities https://www.dalton.manchester.ac.uk/research/facilities/cumbria-facilities/
-Be part of a new EPSRC-funded research programme shaping the future of nuclear materials.
-Access state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities.
-Work on a high-impact, internationally relevant problem linked to clean energy and net-zero goals.
-Opportunity to publish in leading journals such as Carbon and Journal of Nuclear Materials, as well as showcase findings in international conferences such as INGSM and NUMAT.
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; students who are eligible to pay tuition fees at the Home rate are eligible to apply (more details can be found here). The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27) 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 supervisors for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.
For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Emily Aradi at emily.aradi@manchester.ac.uk.
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).
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