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The Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Manchester is looking for a highly motivated student to undertake an exciting PhD project on fractured/veined rocks. The student will work in parallel with our ongoing EPSRC-funded INFORM project, where we aim to understand the impact of fracture heterogeneity on the mechanical behaviour of rocks.
This PhD project will increase confidence in the design, construction, and operation of a geological disposal facility (GDF), by integrating X-ray CT analysis and laboratory experiments to understand the influence of mineralised fractures (veins) on the integrity, deformation, and fluid flow behaviour of veined rocks that are often ignored or less researched so far. The student will characterise a range of crystalline and clay formations with veins at the nm scale and develop a bespoke hydrothermal fluid experiment to understand vein-forming mechanisms under subsurface conditions and evaluate its implications on the mechanical deformation of veined rocks. The outcome of this project will underpin the ongoing GDF programme, to isolate radioactive wastes that are incompatible with surface disposal permanently in the subsurface. Nuclear power is low-carbon energy. It now provides about 10% of the world’s electricity, contributing enormously to global Net Zero emissions. One main disadvantage of nuclear power is that its generation process produces radioactive waste that can remain hazardous for hundreds of thousands of years.
The student will be provided full training on CT imaging and analysis and will have access to the UK National X-ray Computed Tomography Facility (University of Manchester – National X-ray Computed Tomography (nxct.ac.uk)) at the University of Manchester. The student will also get access to the world-leading rock deformation lab at Manchester (https://www.ees.manchester.ac.uk/research/facilities/). The student will also have opportunities to engage with our excellent project partners from NWS, GFZ, Jacobs, Northeastern University, and our INFORM research team members.
Eligibility
The successful candidates should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree and a master’s degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline (civil, mining, geotechnics, earth sciences, etc.). A track record of international publications as the first author can be a plus to this role.
Funding
At Manchester we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level, to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers applying for competition and self-funded projects.
For more information, visit our funding page or search our funding database for specific scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.
Please note if, you wish to apply for the Dean's/ President's Doctoral Scholarship, your application will need to be submitted by by 31st March 2024.
Before you apply
We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply.
How to apply
Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-fap
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:
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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