Radiological, chemical and microstructural characterisation of legacy and candidate AMR graphites for recycling, reuse and lifecycle decision-making

Nuclear graphite sits at the centre of one of the UK’s most important nuclear materials challenges: how to safely manage legacy reactor graphite from Magnox and AGR decommissioning, while also understanding the graphite materials that may underpin future advanced modular reactor technologies. This PhD will form part of the EPSRC-funded ENLIGHT programme, a national research effort focused on enabling a lifecycle approach to graphite for advanced modular reactors. The project will investigate how legacy, recycled and candidate AMR graphite materials can be characterised to support decommissioning, treatment, recycling, reuse and future reactor material selection.

The student will be based within the University of Plymouth’s newly refurbished Radioisotopes and Advanced Materials Suite (RAMS), an emerging specialist facility bringing together radiological analysis, porous materials characterisation and advanced materials research. Working in RAMS, and with shared access to expertise and facilities across the ENLIGHT consortium, the student will develop a multi-scale characterisation framework for graphite across the nuclear lifecycle. The project will draw on RAMS’ strengths in radiological screening, density and porosity measurement, gas-accessible pore structure, surface area analysis and graphite characterisation, supported where appropriate by complementary spectroscopy, diffraction, microscopy and chemical/impurity analysis.

The project will explore how Magnox and AGR graphites differ from modern candidate graphite grades, how treatment or recycling alters graphite structure and chemistry, and what evidence is needed to decide whether graphite should be prioritised for reuse, recycling, further treatment, research-only applications or disposal. The successful candidate will join a national network of graphite, nuclear materials and decommissioning researchers, with opportunities for training, collaboration, industrial engagement and UK/international conference presentation.

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Katie Jones.

Applicants should have a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject or a relevant masters qualification. Suitable disciplinary backgrounds include chemistry, analytical chemistry, environmental science, materials science, geochemistry, radiochemistry, nuclear engineering, chemical engineering, physics or a closely related subject.

Experience with laboratory-based research, analytical chemistry, materials characterisation, spectroscopy, microscopy, radiochemistry or data analysis would be advantageous, but full training will be provided.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English requirements for the programme, IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component test area) or equivalent.

The studentship includes full home tuition fees, RTSG/bench fee support, and an annual stipend of £26,000 per annum for 3.5 years, aligned with the uplifted DFA nuclear stipend. The studentship will only fully fund applicants who are eligible for home fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants normally required to cover international fees will have to cover the difference between the home and international tuition fee rates unless separate funding is agreed.

There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights or associated relocation costs.

Working part-time while receiving a stipend at the University of Plymouth is generally permitted, provided it does not conflict with the terms of your funding or visa requirements. Full-time jobs cannot be held alongside a full-time stipend. International students are generally limited to 20 hours of work per week.

To apply, please select the ‘Online application’ link above. Please include the following documents with your application:

Applications will not be considered if information is missing.