PhD: Actinide Speciation via Multiconfigurational Chemistry

The University of Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Manchester invites applications for a 3.5-year funded PhD project focusing on actinide speciation in solution. The successful candidate will work on multiconfigurational relativistic methods to simulate X-ray spectroscopies and interpret data against experiments.

The project aims to develop a transferable computational framework relevant to the nuclear fuel cycle. Applicants should hold at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master's (or international equivalent) in Chemistry,

Qualifications

• Background in chemistry or physics with an emphasis on actinides and spectroscopy.
• Experience with high-level electronic structure methods is desirable.
• Ability to develop computational workflows and compare with experimental data.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply multiconfigurational approaches to study actinide speciation in solution.
• Account for solvent effects and coordinating ligands using a range of computational techniques.
• Compare simulations with experimental data to interpret actinide spectra.
• Contribute to building a transferable computational framework for nuclear fuel cycle conditions.

Skills

X-ray spectroscopy

Actinide chemistry

Electronic structure methods

Research proposal writing

Education

2.1 honours degree or master's in Chemistry, Physics, or related discipline

Job description

The University of Manchester invites applications for a 3.5-year funded PhD project focusing on actinide speciation in solution. The successful candidate will work on multiconfigurational relativistic methods to simulate X-ray spectroscopies and interpret data against experiments.

The project aims to develop a transferable computational framework relevant to the nuclear fuel cycle. Applicants should hold at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master's (or international equivalent) in Chemistry,