Developing thermodynamic models for predicting the long-term safety performance of cement-based wasteforms for encapsulation of low-level nuclear waste

The Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering at the University of Bath is inviting applications for the following fully funded 4 year PhD project.

This advert may close early if a suitable candidate is identified - early application is therefore encouraged.

Project

We are looking for ambitious future engineers and scientists who have a passion for contributing to the clean energy landscape of the UK, with an interest in gaining research expertise and experience in applying materials science techniques to study civil engineering materials, and would also enjoy close connections and deep engagements with the nuclear industry as part of their doctoral studies.

The nuclear industry produces clean energy and currently supplies 15% of the electricity in the UK. Encapsulation of low radiation level nuclear waste (around 90% of the total waste volume) using cementitious materials is one of the most effective waste management routes. The safe disposal of the cement-encapsulated waste from the nuclear industry will support the long-term sustainability of the nuclear industry. The accurate prediction of the long-term chemical and physical stability of nuclear waste encapsulated in cementitious grouts, under the in-situ geological disposal facility (GDF) environment has long been a grand challenge for the nuclear decommission industry. Thermodynamic models have been used to predict the mineralogy of several blended cement systems adopted for nuclear waste cementation.

The ambition of this project is to develop comprehensive geochemical models (thermodynamic models for cementitious materials) that are experimentally validated by assessing of various cementitious composite materials with advanced materials science techniques. The expected outcome from this project will enable the nuclear industry to better understand their current and future options for managing low-to-medium level waste streams, including the safe disposal of low-level nuclear waste in a geological disposal facility.

As the lead researcher on this project, you will be supervised by a joint academic team from both the University of Bath (Dr Xinyuan Ke and Prof. Andrew Heath) and the University of Leeds (Prof. Susan Bernal Lopez), with supervision support provided by the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL). You will also be expected to carry out experiments at synchrotron facilities (i.e., Diamond Light Source, SOLEIL, ESRF) and contribute to the experimental preparation processes. If you also enjoy national and international travel while conducting academic research, this would be the project for you!

During this doctoral program, you will also have the option to take a 6-12 month internship offered by NNL to gain experience of working in the industry. 

Candidate Requirements

Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or good Upper Second Class Honours degree (or the equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or any other discipline with a similar knowledge background. A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.

Non-UK applicants must meet our English language entry requirement.

Enquiries and Applications

Informal enquiries are encouraged! Direct these to Dr Xinyuan Ke - [Email Address Removed]

Please make a formal application should via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Civil Engineering

When completing the form, in the 'Funding your studies' section, please select 'Industry Sponsor' from the first drop-down list and specify Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) in the text box. In the 'Your PhD project' section, please state the project title and supervisor's name in the appropriate boxes.

Failure to complete these steps will cause delays in the processing of your application, and may cause you to miss the deadline.

More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found on our website.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We value a diverse research environment and strive to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We encourage applications from under-represented groups.

If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.

The Disability Service ensures that individuals with disabilities are provided the support that they need. If you state if your application that you have a disability, the Disability Service will contact you as part of this process to discuss your needs.

Keywords: Cement, waste management, nuclear decommissioning