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PhD Project - Corrosion Studies on Prototype Copper Canisters for Spent Nuclear Fuel Disposal at SKB

Details

PhD

4 year fully funded studentship

Start Date

1st October 2026

University

University of Bristol

Sponsor

SKB 

Supervisor

Dr Tomas Martin 

For informal enquiries, please contact:

tomas.martin@bristol.ac.uk

Apply Now

Applications are being accepted for September/October 2026.

Please quote reference number P008 if you are interested in this project when applying.

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Description

This fully funded four-year PhD studentship is offered within the University of Bristol, under the supervision of Dr Tomas Martin, this project is sponsored by SKB. 

Storing spent nuclear fuel in long-term geological disposal facilities is a complex problem. In addition to the high radioactivity of the fuel, they will continue to give off decay heat from fission products for many years after the end of its use in a reactor. In addition, the storage container will interact with the soil for thousands of years, and corrosion processes can result in degradation of the container. Copper has been proposed as the container for spent fuel, due to its high thermal conductivity and relative chemical inert behaviour in ground conditions. However, due to the length of time spent fuel will be stored in a geological disposal facility, it is important to understand how the copper will change during extended exposure to ground conditions. 

This project will be based in the Interface Analysis Centre at the School of Physics at the University of Bristol, and is sponsored by the Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Company (SKB), which is responsible for the safe, long-term management of Sweden’s spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste. The project will study the microstructure of several copper specimens exposed long-term to bentonite and groundwater conditions, to explore how the surface finish and microstructure evolves in this environment. The student will use advanced electron microscopy and complementary techniques to study the surface of the copper and understand the mechanisms of the evolution of the material.

PANDA is committed to widening access; we welcome applications from mid-career switchers and those returning from career breaks. Due to project timeline restraints this project is not suitable for part time study. Students will receive an enhanced, tax free, stipend of £26,000 per annum

This position is due to start in October 2026. This project is expected to include research visits to SKB, located in Sweden.

 

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.

 

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.

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