Details
We are offering an exciting PhD opportunity to develop and validate a novel rapid, non-destructive technique for detecting and quantifying radiation-induced defects in ceramics, glasses, and other functional materials. This interdisciplinary project sits at the interface of materials science and nuclear engineering, offering exceptional exposure to both cutting-edge academic research and real-world industrial challenges in the nuclear sector.
Understanding and characterising radiation damage remains one of the central challenges in nuclear materials science. Conventional characterisation techniques, such as Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), provide powerful insights but are often destructive, time-consuming, resource-intensive, and can themselves alter or remove the very defects under investigation. This project will explore an alternative approach based on macro- and micro-contact Impedance Spectroscopy (mcIS), with the aim of establishing a rapid, non-destructive electrical method for quantifying radiation damage in a wide range of materials.
Preliminary studies on irradiated Strontium Titanate (SrTiO₃) have demonstrated strong potential for detecting radiation-induced defects and amorphisation through measurable changes in electrical response. Building on these promising results, the project will investigate mcIS across a broader suite of pristine and irradiated materials implanted with varying atomic species and defect concentrations, representing different forms of radiation damage including displacement defects, dislocations, and transmutation products.
The successful candidate will correlate mcIS responses with defect type and concentration to establish robust relationships between electrical signatures and radiation damage accumulation. This work has the potential to deliver a transformative characterisation tool that complements existing techniques while providing significant advantages in speed, scalability, non-destructive analysis, and potential for remote deployment.
The project will contribute to improved materials selection for nuclear applications, advance fundamental understanding of radiation–material interactions, and support rapid in-field assessment of material integrity in radiation-harsh environments.
A strong interest in experimental work and materials characterisation is essential. Training will be provided in all specialist techniques, so motivated candidates from adjacent fields are also encouraged to apply.
About SATURN
This PhD is based with the SATURN Centre for Doctoral Training. SATURN is made up form a consortium of NW Universities that include Manchester, Bangor, Leeds, Liverpool, Lancaster, Sheffield and Strathclyde. The ethos of the programme is to recruit students from across STEM and give them the necessary skills and training to become a subject matter expert in the nuclear sector in either industry or academia. You will be recruited with a cohort of other researchers all looking at nuclear- focused research but from across the breadth of the sector. Your training will include an introduction to nuclear course, as well as opportunities to do a deep dive in the areas that really interest you. You will also have the opportunity to broaden your experience and skills by visiting internationally relevant facilities, having an industry secondment, undertaking leadership training, and involving yourself in outreach and public engagement activities. If this sounds like the sort of opportunity that you are looking for, we would love to hear from you.
Nuclear Boot Camp (Months 1 - 3)
The Bootcamp is based in Manchester. For any of our students based at partner institutions, SATURN can offer you accommodation in Manchester and cover the cost.
Eligibility
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.
Before you apply
We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project before you apply. For informal enquiries, please contact Julian Dean at [email protected].
Projects are subject to funding confirmation
How to apply
Please complete the Enquiry Form to express your interest. We strongly recommend you contact the project supervisor after completing the form to speak to them about your suitability for the project.
If your qualifications meet our standard entry requirements, the CDT Admissions Team will send your enquiry form and CV to the named project supervisor.
Our application process can also be found on our website: here If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]
Equality, diversity and inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.
We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.
We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50% depending on the project/funder)
Saturn_Nuclear_CDT
UoM_Nuclear
Funding Notes
The EPSRC funded Studentship will cover full tuition fees at the Home student rate and a maintenance grant for 4 years, starting at the UKRI minimum of £26,000 pa. for 2026-2027.
References
Previous work we have performed related to this project can be found here
R.A. Veazey et al., J. Am. Ceram. Soc., 102 (2019) 3609-3622. [https://doi.org/10.1111/jace.16236]
[2] R.A. Veazey et al., J. Am. Cerm. Soc., 103 [4] (2020) 2702-2714 [https://doi.org/10.1111/jace.16981]
[4] H Ma, DC Sinclair and JS Dean, Solid State Ion. 414 (2024) 116652 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssi.2024.116652)