This fully funded four-year PhD studentship is offered within the University of Bristol under the supervision of Dr. Jacek Wasik and co-supervised by Professor Tom Scott and Dr Ross Springell. This project is sponsored by Quantam leap Energy Uk.    

The project aligns strongly with the goals of the PANDA programme by combining fundamental nuclear science with clear technological relevance. It supports the development of advanced fuel-cycle technologies, strengthens predictive modelling capabilities, and contributes to the training of highly skilled researchers with expertise in nuclear materials, advanced instrumentation, and computational methods. Through close interaction with national laboratories, industry, and academic partners, the project will generate knowledge and capabilities that support the UK’s future nuclear energy and technology ambitions.  

Are you interested in developing cutting-edge experimental and modelling skills while addressing challenges that are critical to the future of nuclear technology?  

This PhD project will investigate actinide vapours, a class of materials that play important roles in nuclear fuel recycling, advanced reactor systems, isotope production, and future separation technologies. The research will combine hands-on experimentation with computational modelling to understand how actinide vapours are generated, how they behave, and how their properties can be controlled for specific applications.  

A key goal of the project is to explore different methods of generating actinide vapours, ranging from thermal evaporation to advanced physical vapour deposition techniques. The student will investigate how these generation methods influence vapour composition, energy, clustering behaviour, and interactions with surfaces. Ultimately, the project aims not only to understand actinide vapours but also to develop strategies for engineering vapours with properties tailored to future nuclear technologies.  

The successful candidate will play a leading role in the design, construction, and operation of a state-of-the-art ultra-high vacuum experimental system. Ultra-high vacuum technology underpins research and development across many sectors, including semiconductor manufacturing, surface science, quantum technologies, advanced materials, nanotechnology, and aerospace engineering. The practical skills developed through this project are therefore highly transferable and valued across both research and industry. 

The student will also receive specialist training in the safe handling and characterisation of nuclear materials. Experience with radioactive materials is highly sought after across the growing nuclear sector and provides excellent preparation for careers in energy, defence, national laboratories, and regulatory organisations.  

Alongside experimental work, the project will involve advanced simulation and modelling to understand and predict vapour behaviour across a wide range of conditions. This combination of experimental and computational expertise provides a unique training opportunity and strong preparation for future scientific and technical leadership roles.  

The project will make extensive use of world-class facilities at the University of Bristol, including the Interface Analysis Centre, alongside opportunities to work with partner universities, national laboratories, and industrial collaborators within the PANDA programme.  

We welcome applications from candidates with backgrounds in physics, chemistry, materials science, nuclear engineering, or related disciplines who are excited by experimental research, technology development, and solving complex scientific challenges with real-world impact. 

Students will receive an enhanced, tax free, stipend of £26,000 per annum  

This position is due to start in October 2026. This project may include a placement tbc.

This project includes a 1-month placement with QLE, located in London. 

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.  

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. 

Students are required to achieve MoD Enhanced BPSS status, as a condition of ongoing enrolment and funding for this project.  

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.