(SATURN CDT) Cements for immobilization of radioactive high chloride solutions and other chemical wastes

About the Project

SATURN_Nuclear_CDT

UoM_Nuclear

We are welcoming applications for a PhD project commencing October 2026 conducting research to aid the safe immobilisation of radioactive chemical waste from the UK’s nuclear weapons programme. This project will develop and test the performance of cementitious wasteforms for the safe immobilisation of actinide containing materials and solutions.

This PhD project is multidisciplinary spanning the fields of materials science, radiochemistry and mineralogy. You will, therefore, develop skills across a variety of scientific areas including aqueous chemistry, solid state chemistry, the safe handling of radioactive materials, high resolution imaging and characterisation techniques. The project can include theoretical and modelling work to varying degrees depending on your own interests but will primarily involve hands-on laboratory experimental work.

You will be part of the Immobilisation Science Laboratory, a team working towards materials for radioactive waste disposal at the University of Sheffield. Your primary supervisors will be Dr Clare Thorpe and Prof Brant Walkley and you will also have regular contact with industry based project partners at AWE. You will receive a stipend in line with the UKRI standard rate as well as funds for training, travel and conference attendance.

Candidates should be a UK citizen and have or expect to receive a first or upper second (2.1) honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline including chemistry, physics, materials science, environmental science or other related discipline. Some laboratory experience would be an advantage but the ability to work in a team and a willingness to develop new skills are essential. Please email Dr Clare Thorpe (clare.thorpe@sheffield.ac.uk) if you have any questions.

About SATURN

This PhD is based with the SATURN Centre for Doctoral Training. SATURN is made up form a consortium of NW Universities that include Manchester, Bangor, Leeds, Liverpool, Lancaster, Sheffield and Strathclyde. The ethos of the programme is to recruit students from across STEM and give them the necessary skills and training to become a subject matter expert in the nuclear sector in either industry or academia. You will be recruited with a cohort of other researchers all looking at nuclear- focused research but from across the breadth of the sector. Your training will include an introduction to nuclear course, as well as opportunities to do a deep dive in the areas that really interest you. You will also have the opportunity to broaden your experience and skills by visiting internationally relevant facilities, having an industry secondment, undertaking leadership training, and involving yourself in outreach and public engagement activities. If this sounds like the sort of opportunity that you are looking for, we would love to hear from you.

Nuclear Boot Camp (Months 1 - 3)

The Bootcamp is based in Manchester. For any of our students based at partner institutions, SATURN can offer you accommodation in Manchester and cover the cost.

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.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project before you apply. For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Clare Thorpe (clare.thorpe@sheffield.ac.uk).

Projects are subject to funding confirmation

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.

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: here If you have any questions, please contact SATURN@manchester.ac.uk

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).

Funding Notes

This projects is an EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Skills And Training Underpinning a Renaissance in Nuclear (SATURN) studentship in partnership with AWE. The funding covers the cost of tuition fees and provides an enhanced annual tax-free stipend for 4 years commencing at £26,000 at the start of the project (increasing each year in line with the UKRI base-rate).