Paul Bagot

Fully funded D.Phil/PhD opportunity at the University of Oxford in Materials Science , focused on advanced characterisation of irradiation embrittlement in reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steels . The project is based in the Atom Probe group at Oxford Materials and is carried out in collaboration with Rolls-Royce plc . The research will use Atom Probe Tomography (APT) together with complementary techniques such as Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) , Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) , and hardness testing to study how high-temperature neutron irradiation affects the microstructure and embrittlement of RPV steels. Research themes include solute clustering, precipitate formation, composition changes, hardening mechanisms, and the relationship between microstructural evolution and reactor safety/lifetime prediction. The post mentions state-of-the-art APT instrumentation, including a LEAP 6000 , and aims to improve understanding of the mechanisms controlling embrittlement in nuclear materials. Funding: fully funded by Rolls-Royce plc., with Home-rate fees covered and a stipend of at least £21,708 per year . Eligibility: restricted to Home applicants . How to apply: use the project link provided in the post and follow the University of Oxford postgraduate research application instructions. No deadline is stated in the post excerpt.