"PhD Studentship: Examining the shape of proton-rich nuclei"

The University of Manchester - the Faculty of Science and Engineering

Placed On: 23rd December 2025
Closes: 31st January 2026

This project aims to perform laser spectroscopy studies on proton-rich nuclei, in order to investigate the evolution of nuclear structure of these exotic species.

At the edges of the nuclear landscape, a rare form of radioactive decay occurs where the nucleus emits a proton. Studying proton-rich and proton-emitting nuclei with laser spectroscopy provides an opportunity to measure their nuclear properties and understand the behaviour of nuclei right at the limits of nuclear existence.

Laser spectroscopy measures the hyperfine structure of atoms, an atomic fingerprint that allows nuclear properties (e.g. spin, electromagnetic moments and charge radii) to be measured in a nuclear-model-independent way. For example, the charge radius tells us about the proton distribution in the nucleus i.e. its shape. By measuring nuclei towards and across the proton-drip line (beyond which proton decay occurs), we aim to gain insight into how a single proton can influence the behaviour of the whole nucleus.

This project will be based at the University of Manchester with experiments carried out at the ISOLDE facility at CERN, Switzerland. It will use state-of-the-art laser spectroscopy techniques, such as Collinear Resonance Ionization Spectroscopy (CRIS), to measure the properties of proton-rich nuclei. During the course of their research, the student will gain practical experience in laser operation, vacuum systems, ion beam transport and detection, laser spectroscopy for atomic and nuclear physics, high voltage systems, and data analysis.

The minimum academic entry requirement for a PhD in the Faculty of Science and Engineering is an upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD OR any upper-second class honours degree (or international equivalent) and a Master’s degree merit (or international equivalent) in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD.

To apply, please contact the main supervisor, Dr Kara Lynch - kara.lynch@manchester.ac.uk. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.