Funded PhD: Experimental study of exotic, neutron-rich nuclei

Project supervisors

Project in detail: Experimental study of exotic, neutron-rich nuclei

A 3.5-year Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)-funded PhD studentship is available for nuclear physics research at the University of Brighton. The Brighton group has a long history of using gamma-ray spectroscopy techniques to study shapes and structures in atomic nuclei. Members of the group undertake experimental work at international laboratories allowing students to gain a range of hands-on experience and then take ownership for the analysis and interpretation of a particular data set. This allows the student to obtain a good overall understanding of experimental and theoretical aspects of nuclear physics research. The use of international facilities means that the selected student will gain a good introduction to the nuclear physics community worldwide and be aware of, and contribute to, exciting developments in the field.

The group has approved experiments to use the GSI/FAIR facility in Darmstadt, Germany, the Horia Hulubei National Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN-HH) in Bucharest, Romania and the Radioactive Ion Beam Facility in Japan. The experiments focus on the observation and measurement of exotic nuclei (ones at the extremes of the isotopic chart) in order to extend our understanding to this region of unexplored nuclei. The selected student will be an integral part of the team undertaking one of these experiments and then use state-of-the-art data-analysis techniques to analyse the (typically) large data sets and interpret the results in the framework of current models.

Entry requirements

Academic entry requirements

Applicants should have a minimum of a 2:1 undergraduate degree in a relevant subject from a UK university or comparable qualifications from another recognised university.

Applicants are asked to write a short piece of 200 words on their interest in this topic and how it relates to areas they have studied in their degree in place of a research proposal. This can be included in the body of the application in the research proposal section or attached as a separate document.

Eligibility criteria 

Due to the post’s funding, this opportunity is open to applicants who meet the requirements for Home status only. Applications from candidates requiring a student visa will not be considered.

English language entry requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must have successfully completed a Secure English language Test (SELT) in the last two years. Applicants who have obtained or are studying for a UK degree may apply without a SELT. However, the university may request a SELT is taken as part of any award made.  

English language IELTS requirements are a minimum of 6.0 in each component.

We accept a number of English language qualifications including IELTS. Please contact us if you have any queries arising from this. Further details can be found here:  

Prove your English language abilities with a secure English language test (SELT) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

Funding

Contact us to find out more

Guide to making your application

We will only consider complete applications - the application is complete once you have submitted all of the following:  

• 200 words on your interest in this topic and how it relates to areas you have studied in your degree
• Copies of your bachelors and masters certificates, including transcripts (or interim transcripts if not yet completed.  
• Copy of your IELTS (or equivalent) certificate (if applicable).  Note: this studentship is ONLY open to candidates who are assessed as being eligible for Home fee status
• Copy of your passport.  
• Two references uploaded or requested - one must be an academic reference from your most recent period of study. Both must have been written within the last year. 

To submit your application please follow these steps:  

1. Click the 'apply online now' button, on the right.  
2. Select 'register and start a new application', to create your user account.  
3. Once you are logged in, select 'apply to a new course'.  
4. Select the type of course 'research degree'.  
5. Select mode of study 'full-time' or 'part-time'.  
6. Select 'Doctoral College'.  
7. Select 'Exotic nuclei 2026’
8. Click 'apply'.  

You will now be able to complete the online application form.