An opportunity to define important trends in actinide covalency and relativistic expansion

This fully funded 3.5-year PhD studentship is available for an outstanding and ambitious student to undertake fundamental research into actinide electronic structure and magnetism. The selected candidate will apply state-of-the-art synchrotron X-ray spectroscopy techniques, including resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) methods. RIXS is transforming our understanding of structure/function relationships by providing insights into how electronic structure and bonding relate to chemical reactivity, superconductivity and magnetism. Recently, RIXS methods have become available for the study of actinides. Unlike other areas of the periodic table, RIXS of actinides is still rather underdeveloped. Recently, we published a uranium 3d4f RIXS study (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2024, 146, 32, 22570) showing the method has a distinct sensitivity to 5f radial expansion and is therefore a probe of covalency and relativistic effects. This studentship will apply the RIXS method we have developed beyond proof-of-principle, including studying novel molecular compounds synthesised by our collaborators within the University of Manchester Centre for Radiochemistry Research. The results will advance our understanding of trends in actinide ligand bonding and the influence of relativistic effects on actinide valence electrons.

The project will involve visits to international synchrotron radiation facilities including at Diamond Light Source (Oxfordshire), the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (Grenoble) and Synchrotron Soleil (near Paris). X-ray spectroscopy measurement results will be analysed in Manchester and compared against the latest theoretical models.

The candidate will be trained to handle low-level radioactive and air-sensitive samples and a nuanced understanding of actinide electronic structure will be obtained, skills which are highly sought after within the nuclear industry. The student will develop X-ray spectroscopy measurement and analysis procedures, with the expectation that they will be internationally leading in the use of these methodologies by completing the PhD. In parallel the student will become accomplished in theoretical computation of electronic structure, bonding and the simulation of spectra. The student will become familiar with basic computer programming for writing their own analysis code for automated data reduction. The student will learn how to design experiments and write impactful scientific publications.

For further details see the research webpage of Dr Baker (mlbakerlab.co.uk), Dr Oakley (meaganoakley.com) and Dr Natrajan (teamnatrajan.weebly.com).

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.

Funding

This 3.5 year PhD is fully funded. Tuition fees will be paid and you will receive a tax free stipend (depending on circumstances) set at the UKRI rate (£19,237 for 2024/25) and a research consumables budget. This is for home students only.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the main supervisor for this project before you apply (Dr Michael Baker – michael.baker@manchester.ac.uk). Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.

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 also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).