Area
Engineering
Location
UK Other
Closing Date
Monday 01 June 2026
Reference
ENG339
Role Overview
An exciting opportunity is available for a motivated and talented PhD candidate to develop a transformative technology for managing the UK’s nuclear graphite waste. Funded by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, we endeavour to make technological advances with real national impact. The UK holds significant volumes of nuclear graphite waste, and disposal options are currently limited pending the Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) opening after 2050. New technologies are needed to manage graphite – a key enabler for the dismantling of the first and second generation of UK Nuclear Reactors. Applied smouldering offers a promising solution to reduce the amount of material destined for the GDF: it is energy‑efficient, cost‑effective, and well‑suited to low‑volatility carbon‑based materials.
Responsibilities
You will design and conduct laboratory experiments to assess graphite smoulderability, develop physics‑based models to predict scalability, and perform techno‑economic analyses and life‑cycle assessments using machine‑learning tools. This project will prepare you for starting a career in nuclear decommissioning or applying emerging technological and modelling approaches to facilitate circular economy innovation in the energy transition.
Research Team
You will work closely with Tarek Rashwan, Oliver Fisher and Rachel L Gomes based in the Food Water Waste Research Group in the Faculty of Engineering, which leads research in circular economy innovations. You will also liaise extensively with Nuclear Restoration Services, including a multi‑month internship, and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority alongside a broader team of UK academics and industry partners from Canada addressing challenges with nuclear graphite.
Candidate Requirements
Essential:
- 1st or 2:1 in Engineering or a science-related discipline.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- Enthusiastic, self‑motivated, resourceful, and strong willingness to learn.
Desirable:
- Previous experimental and/or modelling experience with thermal treatment or combustion/smouldering is an advantage. Full research training will be provided.
Eligibility and Funding
This studentship is open to UK/home and international candidates. For funding reasons, we are particularly looking for UK applicants.
PhD Start Date
October 2026
Equal Opportunity
The University of Nottingham actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. We the Faculty of Engineering provide a thriving working environment for all our postgraduate researchers, creating a strong sense of community across research disciplines.
Application Deadline
June 1, 2026
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