PhD Studentship: PhD in Nuclear Physics

The University of Surrey is seeking an outstanding doctoral student candidate to join its nuclear physics group to investigate properties of novel radiation detectors for applications in nuclear science and radiation detection. The PhD is funded by the UK Nuclear Threat Reduction network (NTR-net). UK nationals are preferred. Citizens of EU countries or other NATO member states may also be considered.

Radiation portal monitors provide safety screening where the tracking of radioactive material is required. These monitors are required to maintain their performance over long deployment periods and so their performance following exposure to the environment is a key metric for the suitability of new systems. The student will lead a study on the degradation of pulse-shape discrimination (PSD) performance for potential scintillator-based detection systems over a lifetime of exposure. They will construct devices using appropriate materials before exposing them to environments intended to simulate a lifetime of exposure, such as temperature cycling in a thermal chamber. Alongside experts in radiation detection, the student will then perform a quantitative analysis of any degradation in performance and the impact of exposures to the anticipated lifetime of a device.

Skills in data analysis, scientific communication, radiation detection and measurement will be developed over the course of the studentship. This scholarship will also facilitate opportunities for the student to present their findings at national and international conferences, as well as participate in educational summer schools and workshops.

Supervisors: Dr Jack Henderson and Dr Matthew Williams

Entry requirements

Open to citizens of the UK, EU or NATO member states. Starting in October 2025. Later start dates may be possible, please contact Dr Jack Henderson once the deadline passes.

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for our PhD programme.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted via the Physics PhD programme page.

In place of a research proposal, you should upload a document stating the title of the project that you wish to apply for and the name of the relevant supervisor.

Funding

Fully and directly funded for this project only for 3.5 years. Standard UKRI Stipend (£19,237 p.a. for 2024/25).

Application deadline

20 January 2025

Enquiries

Contact Dr Jack Henderson

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