Production & Analysis of Nuclear Threat Reduction Relevant Radionuclides
Overview
The UK's Nuclear Threat Reduction (NTR) programme requires regular access to samples of relevant radionuclides to demonstrate capability in nuclear forensics (NF) investigations. This capability is essential for protecting the UK and its international allies. Demonstrating competence in NF acts as a deterrent to malicious actors and ensures the UK's commitment to upholding international treaties such as the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).
Project Description
This PhD project will utilise the University of Birmingham's accelerator facilities (cyclotron https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/about/college-of-engineering-and-physical-sciences/physics-and-astronomy/facilities/mc40-cyclotron-facility and neutron irradiation facility https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/about/college-of-engineering-and-physical-sciences/physics-and-astronomy/facilities/high-flux-accelerator-driven-neutron-facility) to research appropriate nuclear reaction pathways for accessing desired radionuclides and fabricating suitable targets to facilitate isotope production. The research will encompass post-irradiation dissolution methods, subsequent radiochemical purification, and appropriate measurements to harvest desired nuclear data linked to the development of new nuclear forensics techniques.
Research Programme
The successful candidate will join the AWE-funded NTR-net Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) cohort commencing in September 2026. The research programme will involve:
-Target Design and Processing: Development and optimisation of targets for particle accelerator irradiations.
-Radionuclide Production: Generation of specific radionuclides using particle accelerator facilities.
-Nuclear Data Acquisition: Cross-section measurements, emission probability determinations, and related nuclear data.
-Post-Irradiation Processing: Target dissolution, radiochemical purification, and comprehensive analysis.
- Nuclear Forensics Techniques: Application of analytical methods including High Resolution Gamma Spectrometry, alpha spectrometry, and related techniques.
Opportunities
The successful applicant will be based at the University of Birmingham with opportunities to collaborate with other UK and US irradiation facilities throughout the project duration.
Eligibility
UK citizenship is preferred (but not essential) due to the nature of this project. The successful candidate will be required to attain relevant security clearance.
The School of Physics and Astronomy is an Institute of Physics Juno Champion since 2014 and holder of the Athena SWAN Silver Award. Both initiatives recognise the School’s commitment to promote diversity and equality, and to encourage better practice for all members of the community, whilst also working towards developing an equitable working culture in which all students and staff can achieve their full potential. We welcome applications from all qualified applicants, and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented groups in physics and astronomy.
How to Apply
For further information and application details, please contact:
Professor Carl Wheldon
School of Physics and Astronomy
University of Birmingham
Email: c.wheldon@bham.ac.uk