This fully-funded four year PhD studentship is offered in the Nuclear Futures Institute at Bangor University under the supervision of Dr. Tessa Davey and is supported by the PANDA Nuclear Doctoral Focal Award (Programme for Accelerating Nuclear Development and Applications) and NTR Net (Nuclear Threat Reduction Network).

Nuclear forensics is a branch of forensic science that uses analytical methods to determine the origin and history of radioactive materials. Vibrational and electronic spectroscopy methods (such as Raman spectroscopy or X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) are non-destructive techniques that provide structural and chemical fingerprints by which materials can be identified in a nuclear forensics context.

Through this PhD in predictive nuclear forensics you will work in establishing the provenance of unknown nuclear materials. This will lead to an improved understanding of spectroscopy for industrially relevant fuel cycle materials, and the development of an essential database of standardised spectrographic signatures for future use.

Databases such as this are vital to provide referenced and reliable material property information to support of nuclear forensic investigations to establish where materials originated. This is a mixed PhD project including both experimental and modelling aspects. Which allow you to develop your expert skills in both areas.

The project has three parts:

• atomistic simulation of vibrational and electronic spectra using approaches such as density functional theory,
• deconvolution of complex spectra using machine learning, and
• validation of calculated spectra by experimental investigation.

The computational approach taken to build this database minimises cost, while concurrent experimental work ensures necessary validation, and ensures that you will receive training and gain experience in both branches of study.

This project involves AWE as industrial partner, which along with the Nuclear Futures Institute at Bangor University will ensure targeted analysis of current industrially relevant fuel cycle materials as well as candidate materials being considered for new technologies, such as small modular reactors and reactors for space applications.

The successful candidate will have access to training through both NTR-Net and PANDA, providing an additional background in nuclear forensics. It is expected that there will opportunities for a placement with the industrial partner, which will be designed to complement the experimental/validation work through access to laboratory facilities.

Eligibility 

A first-class or 2:1 honours degree in a relevant STEM subject (e.g. Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or Mathematics) is preferred. Equivalent industrial experience will also be considered during the eligibility assessment.

Students are required to be able to achieve MoD Enhanced BPSS status, as a condition of ongoing enrolment and funding. 

Due to conditions of funding, applicants must have Home Fees status and be eligible to work in the UK nuclear industry upon graduation.

PANDA is committed to widening access; we welcome applications from mid-career switchers and those returning from career breaks. This PhD position is suitable for part time study for those with employment or other personal commitments.

About PANDA 

This studentship is part of the PANDA (Programme for Accelerating Nuclear Development and Applications) Nuclear Doctoral Focal Award. PANDA is a consortium of researchers led by Bangor University and delivered with the universities of Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Derby and Manchester, Imperial College London alongside UK National Nuclear Laboratory. PANDA will train up to 100 doctoral researchers to help meet the UK’s future nuclear, clean energy and defence needs. It is funded by UKRI, the Ministry of Defence and the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero. 

Alongside your research activities you will undertake a rich programme of events including a training programme that includes Nuclear Science and Engineering; Methods for Innovation and the PANDA Professionalism Programme. Due to our close links with industry, there will be opportunities for extended placements with industrial partners, allowing a deeper understanding of what it is like to be a nuclear professional during your studies. 

This studentship covers full tuition fees at the home student rate and an enhanced tax-free stipend of £26,000. The studentship also comes with access to additional funding in the form of a research training support grant which is available to fund research activities including training events, conference attendance, and placements. Students are also supported by the UKRI family leave and pastoral provisions that apply to UKRI-funded studentships, including maternity, paternity, adoption and neonatal care leave. A PANDA hardship fund is also available.