Projects available for October 2025
Applications are invited for the below projects.
Please ensure you have read our updated programme description before applying for projects.
Please check back for new projects. If you have contacted Dr Jonathan Tate about being added to our mailing list, you will be notified via email when new positions become available. If you wish to be added to our mailing list, please contact Jonathan at j.tate@imperial.ac.uk
Due to the sensitive nature of the research being carried out, some projects may require you to be a UK national.
Project title: Computational methods for radiation transport
Short project description: The aim of this PhD project is to develop high-fidelity computational methods for modelling and simulating (M&S) radiation transport within multiphase media and materials. These methods will be applied to both nuclear reactor physics and reactor shielding modelling and simulation (M&S).
Supervisor(s): Dr Matt Eaton (ICL)
Institution: Imperial College London
Further information: Funded by Rolls-Royce Plc. Only UK nationals are invited to apply for this vacancy.
Part-time: Not suitable for part-time study.
How to apply: E-mail your CV and contact details for one academic reference to Dr Jonathan Tate (j.tate@imperial.ac.uk)
Deadline: Ongoing until position is filled.
~
Project title: Critical heat flux prediction with data-driven Uncertainty Quantification
Short project description: Are you ready to take on a groundbreaking challenge that could revolutionise nuclear reactor safety? This PhD project will push the boundaries of uncertainty quantification (UQ) by developing state-of-the-art methods for predicting critical heat flux (CHF), a critical factor in ensuring nuclear reactor safety. This innovative research will lead to more accurate, flexible safety margins in nuclear reactor design and operation, enhancing both efficiency and safety. It’s your opportunity to contribute to safer and more cost-effective nuclear energy for the future.
Supervisor(s): Dr Yu Duan and Dr Mike Bluck (Imperial College London) and Jean-Marie LeCorre (Westinghouse)
Institution: Imperial College London
Further information: Funded by UKRI and Westinghouse (Sweden).
Part-time: Not suitable for part-time study.
How to apply: Interested applicants should send an up-to-date curriculum vitae to Dr Michael Bluck m.bluck@imperial.ac.uk and Dr Yu Duan, y.duan@imperial.ac.uk . Suitable candidates will be required to complete an electronic application form at Imperial College London.
Deadline: Ongoing until position is filled.
~
Project title: Development of machine learning models for tungsten under extreme conditions
Short project description: This project aims to use machine learning techniques in estimating the behaviour of tungsten under extreme conditions. Tungsten, a pivotal plasma-facing material in nuclear fusion applications, stands resilient in the face of heavy irradiation and intense thermal environments. However, its mechanical behaviour under various service conditions imposed by a fusion reactor is difficult to test. Therefore, we invite passionate and forward-thinking researchers to contribute to the development of an accurate and
efficient material model using machine learning.
Supervisor(s): Dr Burcu Tasdemir (UoB)
Institution: University of Bristol
Further information: Funded by United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA).
Part-time: Enquire with supervisor.
How to apply: E-mail your CV and contact details for one academic reference to Dr Jonathan Tate (j.tate@imperial.ac.uk)
Deadline: Ongoing until position is filled.
~
Project title: Modelling of natural circulation flow in Pressurised Water Reactors
Short project description: The aim is to develop computer aided geometric design (CAGD) compatible spatial discretisation methods for the Navier-Stokes equations (NSE) for use in coarse mesh computational fluid dynamics (CM-CFD) modelling of natural circulation/convection (NC) within the primary nuclear thermal-hydraulic circuit of nuclear reactors. The PhD student will develop CAGD-CFD high-order curvilinear virtual element (VE) spatial discretisation methods within the Nektar++ CFD modelling and simulation (M&S) framework.
Supervisor(s): Prof Joaquim Peiro (ICL) and Dr Matt Eaton (ICL)
Institution: Imperial College London
Further information: Funded by Rolls-Royce Plc. Only UK nationals are invited to apply for this vacancy.
Part-time: Not suitable for part-time study.
How to apply: E-mail your CV and contact details for one academic reference to Dr Jonathan Tate (j.tate@imperial.ac.uk)
Deadline: Ongoing until position is filled.
~
Project title: Nuclear reactor physics burn-up-depletion algorithms
Short project description: The advent of shared and distributed memory high performance computing (HPC) hardware architectures is driving innovations in nuclear reactor physics modelling and simulation software. The aim of this PhD is to develop appropriate shared and distributed memory parallel solution algorithms that are computational efficient for extremely large data sets and that can resolve each nuclear fuel burn-up/depletion time-step using a highly scalable approach.
Supervisor(s): Dr Matt Eaton (ICL)
Institution: Imperial College London
Further information: Funded by Rolls-Royce Plc. Only UK nationals are invited to apply for this vacancy.
Part-time: Not suitable for part-time study.
How to apply: E-mail your CV and contact details for one academic reference to Dr Jonathan Tate (j.tate@imperial.ac.uk)
Deadline: Ongoing until position is filled.
~
Project title: Understanding solute effects on corrosion in Zr alloys
Short project description: Zirconium alloys for fuel cladding experience corrosion in service, resulting in oxide formation and hydrogen pickup. Detailed understanding of these processes is required for accurate prediction of performance across the cladding’s lifetime. Alternative alloying elements also present new opportunities to develop alloys with superior corrosion resistance. In this PhD, you will use advanced characterisation techniques to (i) establish the physical metallurgy of new alloy systems, (ii) characterise oxide microstructures generated through autoclave exposure, and (iii) build understanding of fuel cladding corrosion mechanism.
Supervisor(s): Dr Felicity Worsnop
Institution: Imperial College London
Further information: Funded by Amentum at Home fees only.
Part-time: Not suitable for part-time study.
How to apply: E-mail your CV and contact details for one academic reference to Dr Jonathan Tate j.tate@imperial.ac.uk
Deadline: Ongoing until filled.
