At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research on graphite materials for neutrino facilities and develop innovative testing methodologies.
- Company: University of Oxford, in collaboration with Fermilab, leading in engineering science.
- Benefits: Fully funded D.Phil. studentship covering tuition fees and a stipend of £21,805 per year.
- Other info: Collaborate internationally and gain hands-on experience with advanced characterisation techniques.
- Why this job: Join a cutting-edge project impacting next-gen neutrino research and advance your academic career.
- Qualifications: First-class degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or related fields; strong interest in experimental research.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Research Studentship in Graphite Composite Materials for High-Power Neutrino Targets
The Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford invites applications for a fully funded D.Phil. project investigating fatigue failure and degradation mechanisms in graphite materials used as proton-beam targets for next-generation neutrino facilities. The project is supported by Oxford and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) and is closely linked to international neutrino programmes including DUNE.
The research will develop new fatigue-testing methodologies for target graphite, investigate crack initiation and propagation under cyclic loading, and characterise the relationships between microstructure, thermal properties, irradiation damage and mechanical performance. Experimental work will involve advanced characterisation techniques including X-ray tomography, FIB-SEM tomography, Raman spectroscopy, thermal conductivity measurements, high-temperature mechanical testing, ion irradiation, and synchrotron experiments at Diamond Light Source. This project will work closely with Dr. Chris Densham's group at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) to support targets design.
Eligibility
This studentship is funded jointly by the Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and is open to all students. The award covers Home tuition fees and a full stipend.
Award Value
Course fees are covered at the Home rate. The stipend (tax-free maintenance grant) is c. £21,805 for the first year, and at least this amount for a further two and a half years.
Candidate Requirements
- A first-class or strong upper second-class degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering or a closely related discipline.
- Strong interest in materials behaviour under extreme environments and experimental research.
- Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively within an international multidisciplinary collaboration.
The following skills are desirable but not essential:
- Experience in mechanical testing, fracture mechanics or fatigue analysis.
- Experience with materials characterisation techniques.
- Data analysis and scientific programming (e.g. Python, MATLAB).
- Interest in particle accelerator, nuclear or energy applications.
Application deadline
Noon on 2 December 2026 (subject to University admissions deadlines).
Start date
October 2027
PhD Studentship: Fatigue Failure of Target Graphite in Oxford employer: University of Oxford
The Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Oxford is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment where finance professionals can thrive. With a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, along with generous benefits such as 38 days of annual leave and a robust family leave scheme, employees are supported in both their professional and personal lives. This role not only provides the opportunity to influence strategic financial decisions within a world-renowned department but also fosters continuous growth and development in a vibrant academic community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship: Fatigue Failure of Target Graphite in Oxford
✨Get Involved in Engineering Societies
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✨Show Off Your Projects
Make sure to create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing any relevant projects you’ve worked on, whether it's uni assignments or personal projects. This visual representation will help you stand out during interviews or casual chats with engineers from University of Oxford!
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We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship: Fatigue Failure of Target Graphite in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:In the engineering world, we want to see your technical skills front and centre. When you’re crafting your CV, highlight any relevant coursework, projects, or software you’ve used. If you’ve got experience with CAD programs or any engineering software, make sure to mention that to grab our attention!
Tailor Your Motivation in the Cover Letter:This internship is all about learning and growth, so let us know why you're excited about this opportunity at University of Oxford. Your cover letter should reflect your passion for engineering and willingness to learn — share what makes us the perfect place for you to dip your toes into the industry!
Include Relevant Academic Projects:If you've completed any engineering projects, whether in class or on your own time, showcase those in your application. We love to see practical experience, even if it’s from school! Detail what you did, what techniques you used, and any challenges you faced. This shows us you can apply your knowledge in real-world situations.
Keep it Clear and Concise:When you're applying for an internship, we know it can be tempting to cram every detail into your CV or cover letter. But keep it clear and to the point! One page for your CV is usually enough — highlight the most relevant bits and make sure your passion for engineering shines through without any fluff.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Brush Up on Technical Fundamentals
For an engineering internship like the one at University of Oxford, it’s essential to have a solid grasp of core principles. Expect technical questions that test your understanding of basic engineering concepts. We recommend revising key topics relevant to the role and finding some example problems to solve ahead of time.
✨Show Your Passion for Engineering
During the interview, we should communicate our enthusiasm for engineering and the specific area you're applying to. Share any projects, coursework, or experiences that fuelled your interest. Companies like University of Oxford often look for candidates who not only have the skills but also a genuine passion for the field.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Be ready for situational questions that probe your problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities. You might be asked how you would approach a specific engineering challenge or design a solution to a hypothetical problem relevant to the industry. Think through a few scenarios before going in, as these can really demonstrate your thought process.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Internships often involve collaboration, so we should be prepared to discuss our experiences working in teams. Have examples ready where you've worked as part of a group on projects, whether in a school setting or during co-curricular activities. This will show University of Oxford that we understand the importance of collaboration in engineering.
