The Nuclear Physics Research Group at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is inviting applications for a fully-funded PhD studentship. The successful applicant will join a well-established programme of research in experimental nuclear physics, studying pear-shaped atomic nuclei using gamma-ray spectroscopy. The project will be based at the UWS Paisley campus, but experiments will be carried out at overseas accelerator laboratories such as JYFL (Jyväskylä, Finland), Legnaro National Laboratory (Padova, Italy), and Argonne National Laboratory (Chicago). The nuclei of interest are created in the laboratory in nuclear reactions induced using beams of ions from particle accelerators. Gamma rays and other radiation emitted by the reaction products are detected, and their properties, such as gamma-ray energies and emission probabilities, provide information about the structure of the nucleus from which they were emitted. The project will include setting up and running experiments as well as analysis of data from the experiments, and interpretation of results. The UWS Nuclear Physics Research Group has four academic members of staff, several postdocs, and usually about six PhD students. Most of our experiments are performed in large international collaborations.
The studentship is fully funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) for a duration of 3.5 years. The funding will cover tuition fees and a stipend of approximately £20.8k per year, as well as the cost of travel to experiments and conferences. Applicants should have, or expect to be awarded, at least an upper-second-class Honours degree in Physics or a related subject. Applicants should have a willingness to travel, and to spend short periods at overseas laboratories to conduct research. Experience of scientific computing or an aptitude for computing would be an advantage. The studentship is open to UK citizens and applicants with pre-settled or settled status. The studentship will start on Monday 1 st February 2027.
The closing date for applications is Friday 20 th November 2026 but we would appreciate early applications.
Further information: We would welcome informal enquiries, or questions about the PhD studentship. We would be happy to discuss the available project with potential applicants and to provide help with the application. For further information, please contact Professor John F. Smith by email to John.F.Smith@uws.ac.uk.
The studentship will be based on the Paisley campus of the University of the West of Scotland. Paisley is located around 10 miles south-west of Glasgow, with excellent travel links to Glasgow (~10 minutes by train to Glasgow Central station) and to the scenic regions of Scotland (e.g. ~25 minutes by car to Loch Lomond). Glasgow International Airport is in Paisley.
PhD position in Experimental Nuclear Physics in Paisley employer: University of the West of Scotland
The University of the West of Scotland is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the Paisley Campus that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee development, staff benefit from numerous growth opportunities and a supportive culture that values continuous improvement in higher education. Join us to make a meaningful impact on quality assurance and enhancement while enjoying the unique advantages of working within a vibrant academic community.
Contact Details:
University of the West of Scotland Recruitment Team
