Nuclear Physics

Up to three STFC-funded PhD studentships are available for nuclear physics research at the University of Surrey, across their research activities including experimental nuclear physics, theoretical nuclear physics, the use of quantum computing and AI methods for nuclear problems, and nuclear applications.

Experimental projects typically involve undertaking practical work at international laboratories in North America, Europe or Japan, gaining expertise at experimental design and use and development of novel radiation detectors, along with cutting-edge data analysis techniques, with an overall focus of understanding the underlying nuclear physics in each experiment. 

Theoretical projects involve building upon and developing theoretical and computational methods for solving the equations governing atomic nuclei with the goal of interpreting and explaining the experimental observations being made by experimental groups at Surrey and worldwide. One strand of our work is in pioneering the use of quantum computing to simulate many-body systems with particular application to nuclei. 

Applications are welcome from those with an interest across any of our research areas.  Applicants may optionally choose to discuss likely project details in advance of application by contacting Prof Daniel Doherty (d.t.doherty@surrey.ac.uk) for experimental projects or Prof Paul Stevenson (p.stevenson@surrey.ac.uk) for theoretical projects. 

Further details of group activities are available at the Nuclear Physics Group webpage.

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for our Physics PhD programme.

Open to any UK or international candidates. Up to 30% of our UKRI-funded studentships can be awarded to candidates paying international rate fees. Find out more about eligibility.