PHD - Development of Microelectrode Sensor Systems for Molten Salt Analysis: A New Research Initiative for Sustainable Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing

PhD Studentship

Development of Microelectrode Sensor Systems for Molten Salt Analysis: A New Research Initiative for Sustainable Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing

University of Edinburgh - School of Engineering/School of Chemistry

100% Funded, 3 year PhD studentship Part of the multi-partner, academic/industrial REFINE collaboration

Supervisors: Prof Anthony Walton (School of Engineering, UoE) | Dr Andrew Mount (School of Chemistry, UoE)

Nuclear fission is currently internationally recognised as a key low carbon energy source, vital in the fight against global warming. Large international programmes of work are needed to deliver safe, reliable, economic and sustainable nuclear energy through present and future reactor systems. There is a pressing worldwide need to develop specific spent fuel reprocessing technology suitable for these reactors, as well as for dealing with legacy waste fuel from old reactors.

The REFINE initiative is a University of Edinburgh led materials programme to address this fuel reprocessing issue. It comprises a multidisciplinary team across five partner universities and the UK's National Nuclear Laboratory. The consortium will carry out a materials research programme to deliver fuel reprocessing through the investigation of molten salt systems. This includes the need to develop new sensing and analysis technologies.

Further details of the research programme can be found at http://www.refine.eng.ed.ac.uk/

This three year studentship offers exciting and challenging opportunities for a bright and motivated individual who can work both independently and as an integral part of a research team. The successful applicant will have responsibility for the development and characterisation of sensor systems for molten salts. They will use the state-of-the-art microfabrication tools available within the University of Edinburgh's cleanroom facilities to fabricate sensor devices. These devices will then be characterised using our electrical and electrochemical test suites. The applicant should have an excellent undergraduate degree in either Electrical Engineering, Chemistry or related discipline, and should have experience of practical laboratory work at undergraduate level.

This project will provide excellent interdisciplinary experience in design, simulation, fabrication, optimisation and testing of microsystems. The student will also have the opportunity to attend relevant training and skills courses run by the University of Edinburgh's Institute of Academic Development. They will also be encouraged to present results at international meetings and to policymakers.

For further information or to submit a CV for consideration, candidates should contact Professor Anthony Walton (Anthony.Walton@ed.ac.uk) or Dr Andy Mount (A.Mount@ed.ac.uk)

Application deadline: Open-ended at present.