A PhD studentship is available for an outstanding and ambitious chemist to undertake research in the field of radiochemistry, based at The University of Manchester. The student will be hosted by research groups in the Centre for Radiochemistry Research (CRR) in the Department of Chemistry (DoC), the Nuclear Engineering, Science and Technology (NEST) Facility, and the RADioactive waste management and Environmental Remediation (RADER) Facility. The student will work closely with co-supervisors at the industrial partner Rolls-Royce, where it is anticipated that results from this project will provide a pathway to improved manufacturing processes.
The successful candidate, based in the laboratory of Prof. David Mills (CRR, DoC) and co-supervised by Prof. Clint Sharrad (NEST), Prof. Sam Shaw (RADER) and Prof. Scott Heath (NEST), will investigate the precipitation of species within uranium-bearing aqueous mixtures. The student will be enrolled in the DoC, CRR, NEST, and RADER, who work closely with the nuclear industry on a range of radiochemical projects. The role will involve monthly meetings with Rolls-Royce by a combination of remote and in-person activities, to communicate results to stakeholders. There will be potential to integrate work package and solutions into wider strategic programmes, and to support site visits to Rolls-Royce. Due to the funding conditions this post is only open to UK nationals.
The student will gain knowledge and experience in radiochemistry/actinide chemistry, including the safe handling of radiochemicals. The student will perform thermodynamic modelling (e.g. PHREEQC) that can predict solubility limits, and will design and perform experiments using autotitrators to induce precipitation in model and real systems. The solution and solid-state species formed will be analysed by a combination of single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, infrared, Raman, ultraviolet/visible/near-infrared, luminescence, energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence, laser-induced breakdown and multinuclear nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Together, this project will provide a holistic skills training that prepares the student for a broad range of future career opportunities.
Industry Supervisor: Dr Alison Weighman
About SATURN
This PhD is based with the SATURN Centre for Doctoral Training. SATURN is made up form a consortium of NW Universities that include Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Lancaster, Sheffield and Strathclyde. The ethos of the programme is to recruit students from across STEM and give them the necessary skills and training to become a subject matter expert in the nuclear sector in either industry or academia. You will be recruited with a cohort of other researchers all looking at nuclear focused research but from across the breadth of the sector. Your training will include an introduction to nuclear course as well as opportunities to do a deep dive in the areas that really interest you. You will also have the opportunity to broaden your experience and skills by visiting internationally relevant facilities, having an industry secondment, undertaking leadership training, and involving yourself in outreach and public engagement activities. If this sounds like the sort of opportunity that you are looking for, we would love to hear from you.
Nuclear Boot Camp (Months 1 - 3)
Based at Manchester campus
Before you apply
We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project before you apply. For informal enquiries, please contact (Prof. David Mills ) at (david.mills@manchester.ac.uk)
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
Interviews will take place in Febuary 2026
How to apply
Please complete the enquiry form to express your interest.
We strongly recommend you contact the project supervisor after completing the form to speak to them about your suitability for the project. You can find their details on the project listing.
If your qualifications meet our standard entry requirements, the CDT Admissions Team will send your enquiry form and CV to the named project supervisor.
Our application process can also be found on our website: Apply | EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Skills And Training Underpinning a Renaissance in Nuclear | The University of Manchester. If you have any questions, please contact SATURN@manchester.ac.uk
Equality, diversity and inclusion
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).