(SATURN CDT) Advanced Fuels and Multiphysics Modelling for Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Systems (Rolls-Royce SMR Sponsored PhD with Barcelona Secondment)

About the Project

This Rolls-Royce SMR–sponsored PhD will develop advanced multiphysics modelling methods to support next-generation soluble boron-free (SBF) reactor designs and enable rigorous assessment of advanced fuel concepts.

The project will focus on high-fidelity neutronic and fuel performance modelling of innovative geometries, including helical cruciform fuel, using established benchmarks such as the PRATIC SBF core. Hybrid neutronic methods (including Monte Carlo and deterministic approaches) will be combined with industry-standard thermal-hydraulic tools to create a flexible multiphysics workflow capable of evaluating different fuel forms and reactor geometries.

Fuel behaviour will be modelled using advanced multiphysics software (principally COMSOL), enabling comparison with conventional UO₂ systems. The project includes the opportunity for a research secondment to Barcelona, working with world experts in core and system thermal-hydraulics simulation.

This opportunity offers strong industry engagement with Rolls-Royce SMR, advanced computational experience, and international collaboration.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will enjoy computational modelling and quantitative problem-solving, with strong analytical skills and an interest in interdisciplinary simulation-based research (encompassing neutronics, thermal physics and material performance).

Eligibility

Applicants should have (or expect to achieve) a strong degree (minimum 2:1 or equivalent), ideally a master’s qualification, in Nuclear Engineering, Physics, Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, Materials, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related quantitative discipline.

Essential

• Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Interest in computational modelling.
• Basic programming/scripting ability (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Julia, or C/C++).
• Confidence working with numerical tools.

Desirable

• Familiarity with heat transfer, thermodynamics, or finite-element methods.
• Exposure to reactor physics (deterministic or Monte Carlo methods).
• Experience with Linux/HPC environments or multiphysics simulation tools.