PhD Opportunities in Nuclear Graphite Research

Are you keen to address some of the choices facing the UK with its looming energy dilemma; would you like to assist to reduce the UK carbon footprint?

Nuclear energy is the only large-scale provider of low-carbon electricity in the UK, accounting for 22% of our current electricity production. With many of the UK Magnox reactors already shut down and the last Advanced Gas Cooled reactors scheduled to cease electricity production by 2023, the Government is committed to ensuring that the country continues to sustain its existing nuclear power stations, and address historic liabilities through the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

Highly motivated, dynamic graduates with experience in science and engineering, with strong writing and presentation skills are invited to apply to join an established materials research group based at the University of Manchester. Successful candidates will work in a highly collaborative environment, in which good interpersonal skills will be particularly important. This is an exciting opportunity for young graduate scientists and engineers to further their career

The Nuclear Graphite Research Group (NGRG) at Manchester is a successful internationally recognised research group. Headed up by Professor Marsden, at the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering (MACE) with the University of Manchester and is an integral part of the cross-school Materials Performance Centre.

The aim of the Nuclear Graphite Research Group (NGRG) is to provide independent advice and research into nuclear graphite technology to both national and international nuclear organisations and companies. The activities of the NGRG cover all aspects related to nuclear graphite, including:

- Graphite material property changes due to fast neutron damage and radiolytic oxidation
- Graphite component stress analysis
- Whole core behaviour
- Decommissioning, treatment and disposal of nuclear graphite waste.

The NGRG currently have several studentship opportunities starting from October 2008. If you are a motivated individual who is willing to gain experience and an advancing career from joining a successful group please contact us.

PhD Projects available:
1. Characterisation, Treatment and Performance of Encapsulated Irradiated Graphite Waste (part of the UK Diamond consortium. This is a 3.5 year studentship)
2. Mechanisms involved in the removal of radio-isotopes from irradiated graphite (part of the European FP7 CARBOWASTE)
3. Characterisation of structural changes of graphites post irradiation (part of the UK KNOO Consortium)

Candidates are required to have good class degree in Chemistry, Physics, Material science, Engineering or a related discipline.

The studentship covers Home/EU fees and a stipend of £12,940 and as a result of funding restrictions is available only to Home/EU Students. Overseas students should NOT apply.

For further information regarding specific project titles please direct correspondence to the project supervisor: barry.marsden@manchester.ac.uk

Further information regarding the nuclear graphite research group activities is available on the School Website