This fully funded four-year PhD studentship is offered within the University of Birmingham under the supervision of Prof Sandy Knowles, sponsored by UK National Nuclear Laboratory. 

This project is linked to UK National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL), who will provide industrial steer and co-supervision with Dr Paul Styman.  

The UoB Materials for eXtremes (M4X – https://more.bham.ac.uk/M4X/) research group investigates new alloys for extreme environments from fusion/fission reactors, to aerospace gas turbines and concentrated solar power. This involves the design of fundamentally new alloys by computational methods; production through arc melting, powder metallurgy or additive manufacturing; characterisation using advanced electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction techniques; mechanical testing using macro/micro-mechanical methods and failure investigation; and environmental behaviour under oxidation/corrosion and irradiation damage.  

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are multi-component alloys comprising a minimum of four elements, each with >5at. % concentration. They have been found to demonstrate excellent corrosion and oxidation resistance, high strength, and resistance to radiation damage, especially at high temperatures 500-1000°C, and are therefore potential candidates for advanced modular reactors (AMRs). The development of HEAs is still in the early stages, so there remains a lot still to be understood about these complex alloys.   

Of particular interest to the nuclear fission community is the potential for HEAs to be used in next-generation reactors, such as liquid metal cooled or fast reactors. Categories of HEAs composed of 3d transition metals and those based on refractory metals are especially promising due to their high melting points and advantageous mechanical properties up 1000°C: strength, creep and ductility. Since the components within advanced reactors will be exposed to much higher neutron doses compared to the current fleet, understanding the irradiation hardening, creep and swelling resistance will be vital, alongside corrosion/oxidation.  

There is currently limited data on the response of HEAs following irradiation, therefore this project proposes to investigate the properties of AMR relevant HEAs under irradiated conditions. This research builds on an existing collaboration between UoB and NNL and would make use of their combined equipment and expertise (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scriptamat.2025.116733 & https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matchar.2025.115529). Fabrication of these alloys is possible at the UoB and subsequent irradiation can be performed within the new ‘High Flux Accelerator-Driven Neutron Facility’ & Cyclotron proton accelerator, including in-situ testing, also linking to The National Nuclear User Facility (NNUF). Further, UoB-UKNNL HEA samples are currently being neutron irradiated at JRC Petten as part of new Materials Irradiation DevIce (MIDI), with post irradiation examination (PIE) a key part of this PhD that will be benchmarked against ion and proton irradiations. The effect of irradiation will be measured using small scale techniques such as small punch testing. Accompanying microstructural characterisation would also form part of this work to understand the underlying mechanisms that are responsible for HEAs’ promising irradiation behaviours.  

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.

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.