PhD Studentship: Uranium Speciation and Mobility in Organic-Rich Wetlands under Environmental Perturbations The University of Manchester in United Kingdom

[£20,780 annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate. Tuition fees paid for home students; fee waivers might be available for international students. Stipend expected to increase each year.]

This 3.5-year PhD studentship at The University of Manchester offers an exciting opportunity to investigate uranium speciation and mobility in organic-rich wetlands under environmental perturbations. The project is situated within the research theme of environmental geochemistry and aims to unravel the mechanisms controlling uranium behaviour in coastal wetlands subject to fluctuating hydrogeochemical conditions. Organic-rich wetlands are known for their unique hydrological and biogeochemical properties, making them effective at sequestering inorganic contaminants such as uranium. However, environmental changes can disturb these equilibria, potentially triggering uranium remobilisation and impacting ecosystem health.

The research will focus on three main areas: the influence of hydrogeochemical and redox fluctuations on uranium speciation and mobility; the role of organic matter in controlling uranium mobility and redox kinetics; and the formation, stability, and field-scale relevance of uranium-bearing colloids under variable conditions. By combining field observations with controlled laboratory experiments, the student will develop a mechanistic understanding of uranium behaviour in organic-rich soils, particularly under environmental perturbations such as saline intrusion and drought–flood events. This work will contribute to improved predictions of uranium mobility in a changing climate.

The student will gain multidisciplinary expertise in environmental geochemistry, mineralogy, colloid science, and uranium biogeochemistry. Training will be provided in laboratory and field methods, as well as quantitative data analysis. Advanced analytical techniques such as X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), luminescence spectroscopy, and electron microscopy will be employed. Reactive transport and geochemical modelling may also be used to support experimental and field observations and to predict uranium mobility at the field scale.

Funding includes a £20,780 annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate, with tuition fees paid for home students and possible fee waivers for international students. The stipend is expected to increase each year. The studentship is open to EU, UK, and US applicants, with a start date in October 2026. Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master's in Environmental Science, Environmental Geochemistry, or a related discipline. Experience in field and/or laboratory work, wet and solid chemistry techniques (e.g., UV-Vis, XRF, XRD, SEM), and geochemical modelling would be advantageous. A valid driving licence is desirable due to the field-based nature of the project. Highly motivated candidates with a strong interest in contaminant geochemistry, field-based research, and environmental science are encouraged to apply.

To apply, candidates should contact the main supervisor, Dr Lucie Stetten, at [email protected], including details of their current level of study, academic background, relevant experience, and a paragraph about their motivation for this PhD project. Applications can also be submitted online via the university's application portal. The application deadline is 26 August 2026.