PhD Studentship: Radiological, chemical and microstructural characterisation of legacy and candidate AMR graphites for recycling, reuse and lifecycle decision-making

Project Description

The studentship will start on 1 October 2026. The project will investigate how legacy, recycled and candidate AMR graphite materials can be characterised to support decommissioning, treatment, recycling, reuse and future reactor material selection.

Research Environment

Working in RAMS, and with shared access to expertise and facilities across the ENLIGHT consortium, the student will develop a multi-scale characterisation framework for graphite across the nuclear lifecycle.

Research Focus

• Investigate how Magnox and AGR graphites differ from modern candidate graphite grades.
• Explore how treatment or recycling alters graphite structure and chemistry.
• Determine what evidence is needed to decide whether graphite should be prioritized for reuse, recycling, further treatment, research-only applications or disposal.

Supervisors

• Dr Katie Jones
• Dr Hayley Manners
• Professor Abbie Jones
• Dr Richard Harris, Nuclear Restoration Services

Eligibility and Apply

• Applicants should have a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject or a relevant Masters qualification.
• Suitable disciplinary backgrounds include chemistry, analytical chemistry, environmental science, materials science, geochemistry, radiochemistry, nuclear engineering, chemical engineering, physics or a closely related subject.
• Experience with laboratory-based research, analytical chemistry, materials characterisation, spectroscopy, microscopy, radiochemistry or data analysis would be advantageous, but full training will be provided.
• If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English requirements for the programme, IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component test area) or equivalent.
• The studentship includes full Home tuition fees, RTSG/bench fee support, and an annual stipend of £26,000 per annum for 3.5 years, aligned with the uplifted DFA nuclear stipend.
• The studentship will only fully fund applicants who are eligible for Home fees with relevant qualifications.
• Applicants normally required to cover International fees will have to cover the difference between the Home and International tuition fee rates unless separate funding is agreed.
• There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights or associated relocation costs.