We offer a range of PhDs funded by different sources, such as research councils, industries or charities.
As a PhD student, you will become a valued member of a research group. Here you will work with internationally respected academics, post-doctoral research associates and technicians.
To apply for a funded PhD, please read the advertised project information carefully as requirements will vary between funders. The project information will include details of funding eligibility, application deadline dates and links to application forms. We will only consider applicants who have a relevant background and meet the funding criteria.
Current PhD Opportunities
accordion
Machine learning for the quantum description of actinide and fission product chemistry
A fully-funded 4-year SATURN CDT PhD position (at the standard UKRI rate of £21,805 p.a. plus £2000 p.a. enhancement) is available in the Department of Chemistry at Lancaster University, in collaboration with the School of Mathematical Sciences, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and the UK National Nuclear Laboratory. More details of the SATURN CDT can be found at: https://www.saturn-nuclear-cdt.manchester.ac.uk/
The effective management of spent nuclear fuel, comprising uranium, heavier actinides and fission products, is key to the future of nuclear power in the UK. Molecular-level quantum chemical simulations can aid in the understanding of the chemical behaviour of spent fuel, but require computationally demanding state of the art simulation techniques to achieve the required accuracy. Recent developments in machine learning, in particular the Atomic Cluster Expansion (ACE) and its extensions, offer an approach to overcome this limitation, providing a potential route to the quantitative simulation of dynamic chemical process of direct relevance to the nuclear fuel cycle.
This PhD project aims to develop simulation tools that bring predictive power to the molecular simulation of fundamental chemical processes underpinning the behaviour of spent nuclear fuel. The approach harnesses machine learning to construct interatomic interaction models trained on high-accuracy quantum chemical simulation data, providing a framework to incorporate their accuracy and transfer it into dynamic simulation models that are efficient enough to allow these processes to be described with predictive accuracy. Specific aims of this project include:
Development of high-level quantum chemical datasets for aqueous actinide and fission-product systems
Development of prototype machine-learned interatomic potentials trained on these data sets
Validation of these model potentials and integration into open-source molecular simulation platforms
Application of these models to case studies of direct industrial relevance
Alongside broad research and presentation skills, the successful candidate will develop:
Expertise in the application of both static and dynamic quantum chemical simulations techniques
Ability in the training and implementation of machine learning frameworks
Proficiency in the use of High-Performance Computing platforms
A thorough understanding of the nuclear power industry, and the role that chemical simulation plays
The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong interest in quantum chemical simulation, the application of machine learning to problems in the chemical sciences, enthusiasm to work in a multidisciplinary environment, willingness to learn, a collaborative attitude, and will possess good written and oral communication skills.
About SATURN
This PhD is based with the SATURN Centre for Doctoral Training. SATURN is made up form a consortium of NW Universities that include Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Lancaster, Sheffield and Strathclyde. The ethos of the programme is to recruit students from across STEM and give them the necessary skills and training to become a subject matter expert in the nuclear sector in either industry or academia. You will be recruited with a cohort of other researchers all looking at nuclear focused research but from across the breadth of the sector. Your training will include an introduction to nuclear course as well as opportunities to do a deep dive in the areas that really interest you. You will also have the opportunity to broaden your experience and skills by visiting internationally relevant facilities, having an industry secondment, undertaking leadership training, and involving yourself in outreach and public engagement activities. If this sounds like the sort of opportunity that you are looking for, we would love to hear from you.
Nuclear Boot Camp (Months 1 - 3)
The Bootcamp is based at Manchester. For any of our students based at a partner institutions SATURN can offer you accommodation in Manchester and cover the cost.
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
Before you apply
We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Andy Kerridge at a.kerridge@lancaster.ac.uk and/or Dr Maciej Buze at m.buze@lancaster.ac.uk
How to apply
Please complete the Enquiry Form to express your interest. We strongly recommend you contact the project supervisor after completing the form to speak to them about your suitability for the project.
If your qualifications meet our standard entry requirements, the CDT Admissions Team will send your enquiry form and CV to the named project supervisor.
Our application process can also be found on our website: here If you have any questions, please contact SATURN@manchester.ac.uk
Equality, diversity and inclusion
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).
Towards a predictive theory of actinide environmental chemistry via machine learning
Supervisors: Andy Kerridge, Maciej Buze
Project description: Predicting the behaviour of actinides (including uranium and plutonium) in aqueous environments is a major challenge in the management of spent nuclear fuel. At present, molecular-level chemical simulations can predict broad trends that may inform management but are incapable of accurately detailing the underlying fundamental chemical processes responsible, limiting their relevance. Recent progress in machine-learning interatomic potentials such as the Atomic Cluster Expansion (ACE) framework, can alleviate this issue, delivering the required simulation accuracy at a cost so affordable that extended dynamic simulations become feasible. This project is a collaboration between the Department of Chemistry and the School of Mathematical Sciences. Key aspects of the project include:
The generation of highly accurate quantum chemical training data required by the machine-learning algorithms
The application of machine-learning to develop and validate accurate interatomic potentials between actinides and other environmental species
With guidance from industry experts, to employ these potentials in dynamical simulations of actinides in chemical environments of direct relevance to the nuclear fuel cycle.
General eligibility criteria: Applicants would normally be expected to hold a minimum of a UK Honours degree at 2:1 level or equivalent in a relevant degree course.
Project specific criteria: The ideal candidate will have an interest in chemical simulation techniques and the application of machine learning to novel problems in the chemical sciences, as well as to how simulation can be employed to mitigate risk in the nuclear fuel cycle.
Studentship funding: A tax-free stipend will be paid at the standard UKRI rate; £20,780 in 2025/26. This is a fully funded studentship of 3.5 years for UK/Home students.
Enquiries: Interested applicants are welcome to get in touch to learn more about the PhD project. Please contact Dr. Andy Kerridge (a.kerridge@lancaster.ac.uk) or Dr. Maciej Buze (m.buze@lancaster.ac.uk) for more information.
Dates
Deadline for candidate applications: 27th March 2026
Provisional Interview Date: April 2026
Start Date: October 2026
Further reading:
Chemical bonding of lanthanides and actinides. Kaltsoyannis, N. and Kerridge, A. in The Chemical Bond: Fundamental Aspects of Chemical Bonding, Wiley 2014. https://doi.org/10.1002/9783527664658.ch11
You will receive a generic acknowledgement in receipt of successfully sending the application documents.
Please note that only applications submitted as per these instructions will be considered.
Please note that, if English is not your first language, you will be required to provide evidence of your proficiency in English. This evidence is only required if you are offered a funded PhD and is not required as part of this application process.
Design, synthesis and testing of novel PROTACs for selective phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) degradation as novel therapeutics for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)
Supervisors: Dr Muñoz (Chemistry), Drs Fielding, Parkin and Dawson (Biomedical and Life Sciences)
Project description: This collaborative project aims to develop novel PDE4B PROTACs as potential Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) therapeutics.
AD constitutes 70% of dementia cases and represents a large and growing global health burden. Despite good understanding of the key pathologies, no treatments for AD are available stop the progression of the disease. Recent research has shown that reduced PDE4B activity protects cognition and brain function in a mouse model of AD (Armstrong et al., 2024). Thus, we aim to develop novel PDE4B targeting therapeutics.
This cross-disciplinary project aims to design and synthesise novel chemical structures that will act as drugs to degrade PDE4B. We will do this by covalently linking known and novel PDE4B inhibitors to small molecules known to induce the degradation of a target protein of choice (in this case PDE4B), called Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs).
This approach has several key advantages over traditional small molecule inhibitors, including enhanced efficacy and specificity, and several are already in clinical trials, mostly as oncology treatments, but application of this approach to AD is currently underexplored.
General eligibility criteria: Applicants would normally be expected to hold a minimum of a UK Honours degree at 2:1 level or equivalent, preferably in chemistry or biochemistry, or a related relevant degree course.
Project specific criteria: The ideal candidate will have an interest in synthetic chemistry, drug discovery, cell biology and Alzheimer’s Disease.
Studentship funding: A tax-free stipend will be paid at the standard UKRI rate; £19,237 in 2024/25. This is a fully funded studentship of 3.5 years for UK/Home students.
Enquiries: Interested applicants are welcome to get in touch to learn more about the PhD project. Please contact Dr M. Paz Muñoz (m.munoz-herranz@lancaster.ac.uk) for more information.
Dates
Deadline for candidate applications: 27th March 2026
Provisional Interview Date: April 2026
Start Date: October 2026
Further reading:
Armstrong P, Güngör H, Anongjanya P, Tweedy C, Parkin E, Johnston J, Carr IM, Dawson N, Clapcote SJ. Protective effect of PDE4B subtype-specific inhibition in an App knock-in mouse model for Alzheimer's disease. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2024 Sep;49(10):1559-1568. doi: 10.1038/s41386-024-01852-z.
Ramachandran S, Ciulli A. Building ubiquitination machineries: E3 ligase multi-subunit assembly and substrate targeting by PROTACs and molecular glues.
Current Opinion in Structural Biology, Volume 67, 2021, Pages 110-119, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbi.2020.10.009.
You will receive a generic acknowledgement in receipt of successfully sending the application documents.
Please note that only applications submitted as per these instructions will be considered.
Please note that, if English is not your first language, you will be required to provide evidence of your proficiency in English. This evidence is only required if you are offered a funded PhD and is not required as part of this application process.
AI-Driven Design of Microfiber Removal Systems
Supervisors: Dr. Luigi Capozzi (Chemical Engineering) and Dr. John Hardy (Chemistry)
Project description: Microfibers from textiles are a major source of microplastic pollution, posing significant environmental and health risks. Current wastewater treatment methods struggle to effectively capture these particles, often relying on energy-intensive filtration systems. This PhD project explores a novel approach to microfiber removal, using CFD-DEM simulations, AI, and experimental validation to design and optimise systems that improve capture efficiency while reducing energy consumption.
The research will be conducted in collaboration with Dr. Mariacristina Cocca at the Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB-CNR, Naples). By integrating advanced simulation techniques with material design, the project offers a scalable and sustainable solution for wastewater treatment. This interdisciplinary approach provides a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of computational engineering and polymer science. Join us in developing next-generation technologies to safeguard our aquatic ecosystems.
General eligibility criteria: Applicants would normally be expected to hold a minimum of a UK Honours degree at 2:1 level or equivalent in a relevant degree course.
Project specific criteria: The ideal candidate will have an interest in fluid mechanics, computational modelling, chemistry, material science and sustainable engineering solutions. Experience with numerical simulations or materials processing is beneficial but not required.
Studentship funding: A tax-free stipend will be paid at the standard UKRI rate; £20,780 in 2025/26. This is a fully funded studentship of 3.5 years for UK/Home students.
Enquiries: Interested applicants are welcome to get in touch to learn more about the PhD project. Please contact Dr. Luigi Capozzi (l.capozzi@lancaster.ac.uk) for more information.
Dates
Deadline for candidate applications: 27th March 2026
You will receive a generic acknowledgement in receipt of successfully sending the application documents.
Please note that only applications submitted as per these instructions will be considered.
Please note that, if English is not your first language, you will be required to provide evidence of your proficiency in English. This evidence is only required if you are offered a funded PhD and is not required as part of this application process.
How the application process works
Select the project you wish to apply for. You can make informal enquiries to the project supervisors if you want to. Please ensure that you check the application deadline dates and eligibility criteria.
Complete your application by following the links to the application form. At this stage, you can apply for more than one advertised project if you wish.
After the closing date, we will consider all applications and invite shortlisted candidates for an interview. Interviews can be held in person, or by Skype or telephone. The timescale for this will vary but is in the region of 4 weeks.
If you are successful at interview for the studentship, you will be invited to apply via the admissions portal online. This will ensure that you receive a formal offer of admission. Please submit one application only, and state the studentship that you have applied for in the source of funding section.
Once we have made a formal offer, you will need to check the conditions in your offer letter and supply any outstanding documents by the required deadlines. If your offer is unconditional, then this will not apply to you.
Centre for Global Eco-Innovation
The Centre for Global Eco-Innovation offers a range of funded PhD opportunities in a wide range of sciences, including Chemistry, Biochemistry, Natural Sciences and more. The Centre was established in 2012 based on the University’s pioneering decision to place its world-class environmental research at the heart of driving innovation for clean and sustainable growth.
Studying for a research degree is a highly rewarding and challenging process. You'll work to become a leading expert in your topic area with regular contact and close individual supervision with your supervisor.
If you have your own research idea, we can help you to develop it. To begin this process you will need to find a PhD Supervisor from one of our research groups, whose research interests align with your own.
