Development of a Lagrangian Marine Model for Assessing Impacts Following a Radiological Accident

About the Project

This project is co-funded by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Nuclear Doctoral Focal Award in Radiation Protection, Nuclear Safety and Environmental Sustainability (RAPTOR) which offers students a coordinated, industry-engaged route to develop cutting edge expertise. The goal is to train 60 PhD students to deliver practical solutions across the civil and defence nuclear sectors with work shaped by national priorities, scientific curiosity and real world needs from industry.

The studentship/position is partially funded by the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Radiation Threats and Hazards. The Health Protection Research Units are NIHR’s flagship research partnerships between Universities and UKHSA, focused on the highest priority challenges in public health. From 1st April 2025, the HPRU in Radiation Threats and Hazards, led by Imperial College London, will seek to advance understanding of ionising and non-ionising radiation and health and delivery direct impact on policy to improve the long term health of the nation.

This PhD project will focus on the development and application of an Lagrangian marine dispersion model to assess the environmental and human impacts of radiological releases into the marine environment following an accident involving radioactive materials. The research will simulate the dispersion, transport and fate of radionuclides in coastal and open-ocean system, and develop tools to assess radiological impact.

By improving predictive capability for marine radiological dispersion, the research will support emergency preparedness, environmental impact assessment, and decision-making for stakeholders responsible for nuclear security, emergency planning and environmental protection. The resulting modelling framework could contribute to enhanced risk assessment and response strategies following accidents involving nuclear facilities, transported radioactive materials, or nuclear security incident.

The PhD will be undertaken at the University of Liverpool in partnership with the UKHSA (Health Security Agency) and ONR (Office for Nuclear Regulation). The successful applicant will be expected to spend some of their time on industrial placement with UKHSA.

The student recruited to this project will not only be co-funded by UKHSA but also be part of RAPTOR a new EPSRC Doctoral Focal Award programme focused on radiation protection, environmental sustainability and nuclear safety. You will be based at the University of Liverpool and will undertake an intensive training programme in year 1 which leads to a PgCert, co-designed and co-delivered by partner institutions and Industry. This PhD programme offers a unique opportunity to join a vibrant, inclusive cohort focused on addressing major interdisciplinary challenges in nuclear science and engineering. It unites leading academic expertise with strong partnerships across the nuclear industry and will train students in nationally critical skills in cutting edge nuclear technologies.

Supervisor

Prof Pete Bryant - p.bryant@liverpool.ac.uk

Prof Andy Plater - Gg07@liverpool.ac.uk

Andrew Little (ONR) - Andrew.Little1@onr.gov.uk

Kelly Jones (UKHSA) - Kelly.Jones@ukhsa.gov.uk

This UKRI funded Studentship will cover full tuition fees (for 2026-27 this is £5,238 pa.) and pay a maintenance grant for 4 years, at an enhanced stipend rate (for 2026-27 this is £26,000 pa.) The Studentship also comes with access to additional funding in the form of a Research Training Support Grant to fund consumables, conference attendance, etc.

UKRI Studentships are available to any prospective student wishing to apply including both home and international students. While UKRI funding will not cover international fees, a limited number of scholarships to meet the fee difference will be available to support outstanding international students.

We want all of our Staff and Students to feel that Liverpool is an inclusive and welcoming environment that actively celebrates and encourages diversity. We are committed to working with students to make all reasonable project adaptations including supporting those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or other personal circumstances. For example, If you have a disability you may be entitled to a Disabled Students Allowance on top of your studentship to help cover the costs of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result. We believe everyone deserves an excellent education and encourage students from all backgrounds and personal circumstances to apply.

Candidates wishing to apply should complete the University of Liverpool application form to apply for a PhD in Physics. Please review our guide on How to apply for a PhD | Postgraduate research | University of Liverpool carefully and complete the online postgraduate research application form to apply for this PhD project.

Please ensure you include the project title and reference number RAPTOR004 when applying.