Accelerating Neutral Particle Transport with AI at The University of Manchester

AI_CDT_DecisionMaking

Details

State of the art Monte Carlo simulations of nuclear (fission and fusion) reactors and shielding are some of the most computationally expensive simulations in science. The PhD will investigate the application of artificial intelligence and/or machine learning techniques to significantly accelerate these simulations. Apart from speeding up the simulations, avoiding introducing artifacts or bias in the AI/ML simulations is also important to allow the adoption of simulations by users. Advancement in AI/ML Monte Carlo will allow rapid design and optimisation of reactors, accelerators and nuclear installations.

Desirable Student Background

Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering

Before you apply

We recommend contacting the project supervisor before applying. Please briefly outline your current studies, academic background, relevant experience, and include a short paragraph on your motivation for pursuing this PhD. For queries, contact the UKRI AI Decisions CDT Team. (aidecisionscdt@manchester.ac.uk).

How to apply:

Please apply under the University of Manchester application portal and select 'PhD in Artificial Intelligence' (OAA Applicant Portal)

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.

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 ensure referee email addresses are official university or workplace accounts, as we may need to verify the references.)
• English Language Certificate (if applicable)

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 are dedicated to supporting work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements to accommodate individual needs. Our selection process is free from bias, and we are committed to ensuring fair and equal opportunities for all applicants.

We are dedicated to supporting work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements to accommodate individual needs, including a part-time study option.

Join us and help grow the UK’s national capability in artificial intelligence, part of the UK’s modern industrial strategy. Everyone is welcome if you are passionate about uncertainty quantification, decision making with humans in the loop and decision making for machine learning systems and their applications in Science and Engineering, and looking to develop your research and innovation skills at the doctoral level to further your career in the AI sector.

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. (Equality, diversity and inclusion | The University of Manchester)

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.