PhD Studentship – Understanding Iron Transport and Flow Assisted Corrosion in PWR Secondary Systems
The University of Manchester
Manchester, England, United Kingdom
General Description –
The University of Manchester’s Department of Materials offers an interdisciplinary PhD studentship examining the mechanisms of iron transport and flow assisted corrosion (FAC) in Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) secondary systems. This doctoral research is conducted in partnership with industry stakeholders and addresses critical challenges associated with long-term operation of nuclear power plants, such as maintaining chemistry control and steam generator performance under secondary circuit conditions. The project integrates experimental testing, materials characterisation and simulated flow conditions to investigate particulate iron behaviour, corrosion product generation, deposition and transport. Research activities will involve development of laboratory flow loops that mimic secondary side conditions, measurement of FAC under varying water chemistries and flow regimes, and systematic analysis of corrosion products and associated transport phenomena. This studentship offers rigorous training in corrosion science, fluid-material interactions and materials degradation processes within nuclear power systems, contributing valuable insights to optimise safety and performance in energy infrastructure.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should hold, or be expected to obtain, an undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours or equivalent) in Materials Science, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering, Physical Sciences or a closely related discipline.
Evidence of strong academic performance and readiness for doctoral research in materials degradation, corrosion science or related experimental research areas.
Required expertise/skills
A solid grounding in materials behaviour, corrosion mechanisms or fluid-solid interactions pertinent to engineering environments.
Practical laboratory competence, including experimental design, data acquisition and analysis.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams.
Effective communication skills to document research findings and contribute to scholarly dissemination.
Salary details –
The studentship includes an annual tax-free stipend of £20,780 set at the UKRI rate, and tuition fees will be paid for the duration of the PhD programme.
Application Deadline –
This opportunity closes on 30 May 2026.