Defining the state-of-the-art in X-ray and electron spectroscopies for discerning the characteristic electronic structure of actinide materials

An EPSRC centre for doctoral training sponsored PhD studentship is available to undertake research in the field of actinide X-ray and electron spectroscopy in a collaborative project between AWE and two research groups at the University of Manchester.

There is much interest in the chemical properties of actinide materials and f electron behaviour in terms of their fundamental properties (for example, unusual oxidation states and bonding modes) and relevance to the nuclear sector (for example, materials performance, waste management and nuclear forensics).

Historically experimental access to actinide electronic structure has been challenging. Recent advances in X-ray and electron spectroscopies have resulted new opportunities to advance our knowledge of this fascinating and important area of the periodic table. The recent availability of lab-based X-ray and electron spectroscopies presents a step change in the types of actinide characterisation tools that are available to analytical scientists in the laboratory. In this project you will apply learn how to prepare actinide samples. You will use electrochemistry, deposition and focused ion beam methods to control sample size to reduce sample radioactivity. You will apply X-ray absorption and emission spectroscopies, along with electron energy loss spectroscopy to study a range of actinide materials. This project will make use of both lab-based methods, national lab user facilities and synchrotron facilities (including, Diamond Light Source, Synchrotron Soleil and the ESRF). The project will advance our understanding of actinide material electronic structure and bonding while also giving insights into how such spectroscopies can be applied to evaluate material aging and corrosion. There will also be opportunities to implement quantum chemical computational methods for the interpretation of actinide bonding and simulation of actinide spectra.

The University is committed to Athena SWAN principles to promote women in science; the School’s website documenting activity in this area can be found at: https://www.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/connect/social-responsibility/. The University will actively foster a culture of inclusion and diversity and will seek to achieve true equality of opportunity for all members of its community.

The studentship will be run as part of the SATURN Centre for Doctoral Training and thus you will get to interact with a large cohort of students who are studying nuclear science and engineering at six leading UK universities. 

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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. Students should have an interest in condensed matter physics, physical inorganic chemistry, spectroscopy, computational chemistry and electronic structure. You should be capable of working under your own initiative and working as part of a research team.

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 [Email Address Removed]

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).