This project focuses on improving the understanding and safety assessment of High-Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU) processing, with particular emphasis on the deconversion stage where uranium hexafluoride gas is transformed into solid uranium compounds for use in advanced nuclear fuels. Next-generation reactor technologies, including advanced modular reactors, often rely on the use of HALEU fuels.
A central challenge in handling HALEU is ensuring criticality safety, which involves understanding and controlling neutron behaviour in uranium-containing systems to prevent unintended criticality. The project will use advanced computational methods, including Monte Carlo neutron transport codes, to model criticality behaviour in deconversion process conditions. It will investigate how temperature, material distribution, powder accumulation, phase changes, and chemical processing conditions impact neutron multiplication during deconversion operations.
The successful candidate will develop detailed criticality models representing industrial equipment and operating environments. These models will be used to improve understanding of safety margins and inform the design and operation of future UK fuel cycle facilities. The work will directly support safer and more efficient nuclear technologies and contribute to improved approaches for assessing criticality safety in complex industrial systems.
The project offers opportunities to collaborate closely with the United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory and engage with specialists working on advanced fuel cycle technologies. Visits to laboratory and industrial facilities are expected to form part of the research experience.
Importantly, the skills developed during this project will be highly transferable to industry, including uranium deconversion, nuclear fuel manufacturing, and criticality safety more broadly. The computational modelling and Monte Carlo simulation skills gained are widely sought after across the nuclear sector and beyond, providing strong career pathways in both industry and research.
We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, including nuclear engineering, physics, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, mathematics, and related disciplines. Experience in computational modelling is beneficial but not essential, as training will be provided throughout the project.
This is an opportunity to contribute to nationally important research at the forefront of nuclear innovation while developing advanced technical skills in reactor physics, criticality safety, and computational modelling.
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. 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 supervisor(s) 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.
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).
