PhD in Chemistry – PhD in Novel Synthetic Strategies for Nuclear Materials Monitoring & Cleanup

Start date: Position is expected to begin from April but may be available sooner

Passionate and curious candidates are invited to apply for a 3.5 year PhD position available to commence as soon as possible in the Bell Group (BellGroupLabs.com), in the School of Chemistry, at the University of Glasgow. The studentship project is sponsored by Sellafield Ltd and the student will have the opportunity to engage regularly with the industrial sponsors.  

Project background and aim 

Separation of non-radioactive daughter ions and waste products from nuclear materials is of critical importance to ensuring the safe and cost-effective handling, cleanup and storage of the UKs nuclear waste legacy. Challenges remain in the ongoing monitoring and analysis of metal oxide materials (MOX). State-of-the-art digital technologies also provide opportunities to improve safety for those working with radioactive materials.   

This project is funded by Sellafield Ltd and the University of Glasgow and will focus on the development of chemical methodologies for removing key impurities from MOX materials. The project will focus on two key aspects: 1) Development of chelating ligands for the coordination of key metal ions; 2) Novel process design for the physical separation of impurities from the bulk.  

The PhD student will investigate ion binding as a function of ligand structure for a range of key metals of interest. Opportunities to design new digital processes for separation which minimize human interaction with hazardous materials will also be investigated.  

The student can expect to become an expert in coordination chemistry, chemical synthesis & analysis. In particular, the student will have the opportunity to gain skills in the safe handling of radioactive materials and to gain insights into the role of chemistry within the UK nuclear industry. The student can also expect to develop skills in 3D printing, chemical automation and process design.   

Research culture, support and student benefits 

It is the University of Glasgow’s mission to foster an inclusive climate, which ensures equality in our working, learning, research and teaching environment. 

PhD students are part of a Graduate School that provides the highest level of support to its students and a number of benefits in addition to exceptional teaching and supervision, including: 

• Research Training programme
• Diverse range of research-community activities
• Mobility scholarships
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities
• Opportunities for industry engagement

We strongly endorse the principles of Athena SWAN, including a supportive and flexible working environment, with commitment from all levels of the organisation in promoting gender equality. 

Eligibility criteria 

The ideal candidate will hold (or expect to hold) a 1st or upper 2nd class MSc/MChem/BSc or equivalent and have experience of chemical synthesis, particularly of coordination compounds.   

How to apply  

Prospective candidates should contact Dr Bell directly by email – Nicola.Bell@Glasgow.ac.uk – as soon as possible and supply a CV and covering letter. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.