At a Glance
- Tasks: Research human-autonomous vehicle collaboration to enhance nuclear material transportation safety.
- Company: Sellafield Ltd, a leader in nuclear decommissioning and innovation.
- Benefits: Fully-funded studentship with a stipend, tuition coverage, and industry experience.
- Other info: Includes a six-month secondment at Sellafield for hands-on experience.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact in safety-critical environments while advancing your research career.
- Qualifications: First-class or upper second-class degree in Robotics, Computer Science, or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 20780 - 20780 € per year.
Transportation of nuclear material at Sellafield Ltd faces a critical scalability challenge, requiring operations to increase from monthly to daily while maintaining safety standards. Sellafield’s successful deployment of its first autonomous heavy goods vehicle (HGV) proved technical feasibility in nuclear environments, but current operations require multiple safety operators (acting remotely or in‑vehicle). This makes them unsuitable for scaling up. The fundamental bottleneck is inappropriate levels of trust between operators and autonomous systems; operators may either under‑trust or over‑trust.
Responsibilities and Scope
This PhD will aim to develop comprehensive trust models for human‑autonomous vehicle (AV) collaboration and then create adaptive systems that calibrate operator trust appropriately while enabling confidence in autonomous decision‑making and reducing cognitive workload. The research will enable single operators to supervise multiple AVs simultaneously. It will use and adapt Sellafield’s existing proof‑of‑concept and collaborate with Digital Concepts Engineering Ltd to create and test various human‑machine interface designs that optimize operator confidence and decision‑making effectiveness rather than developing entirely new platforms. The research will support the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s (NDA) long‑term decommissioning mission while developing transferable expertise in autonomous system supervision across safety‑critical nuclear environments. The PhD includes a six‑month secondment at Sellafield Ltd with the Special Nuclear Material (SNM) Innovation Team, providing direct operational access and building essential industry relationships.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Applicants must have (or be on track to obtain) a first‑class or upper second‑class honours degree (2.1) or a distinction/merit at master’s level in Robotics, Computer Science or a related field. You will be curious, motivated by real‑world impact, and comfortable working across academic and industrial environments. Experience or strong interest in one or more of the following is particularly welcome:
- Autonomous vehicles or autonomous systems more broadly
- Human–computer interaction
- Safety‑critical systems
Funding and Benefits
This fully‑funded NDA bursary studentship is available from 1 October 2026 for a period of three and a half years, subject to satisfactory progress. It includes a tax‑exempt stipend of £20,780 (2025/26) per annum, full‑time tuition fee coverage for up to three and a half years (Home/UK only), and accommodation coverage for the Sellafield six‑month secondment. Additional support will be provided by the UK National Nuclear Laboratory, Sellafield Ltd and Digital Concepts Engineering Ltd, including access to operational autonomous vehicle platforms, operator teams, and regulatory expertise when needed.
PhD Studentship: Human-AV Collaboration for Nuclear Transportation in Bristol employer: UWE Bristol
Sellafield Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for PhD candidates to engage in cutting-edge research that directly impacts the nuclear transportation sector. With a strong focus on safety and innovation, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture, extensive support from industry leaders, and the chance to develop transferable skills in autonomous systems within a critical environment. The six-month secondment at Sellafield not only enhances practical experience but also fosters valuable industry connections, making it an ideal setting for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship: Human-AV Collaboration for Nuclear Transportation in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the nuclear and robotics fields on LinkedIn or at industry events. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make connections that could lead to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential supervisors or colleagues, let your enthusiasm for human-AV collaboration shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about making an impact in this field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the latest trends in autonomous systems and safety-critical environments. We recommend brushing up on case studies related to nuclear transportation to impress your interviewers with your knowledge.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship: Human-AV Collaboration for Nuclear Transportation in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the PhD focus on human-autonomous vehicle collaboration. We want to see your passion for robotics and safety-critical systems shine through!
Showcase Relevant Experience:If you've worked on projects related to autonomous systems or human-computer interaction, be sure to mention them! We love seeing real-world impact, so share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your curiosity and motivation.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your ideas are easy to understand. This will help us see your thought process clearly!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can review your application efficiently. We’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at UWE Bristol
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in autonomous vehicles and human-computer interaction. Familiarise yourself with Sellafield Ltd's operations and their challenges in nuclear transportation. This will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Curiosity
Demonstrate your curiosity about real-world impacts and how your research can contribute to safety-critical systems. Prepare questions that reflect your eagerness to learn more about the role and its challenges, especially regarding trust models and operator confidence.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
If you've worked on projects related to robotics or autonomous systems, be ready to discuss them. Share specific examples of how you've tackled similar problems or contributed to team efforts, especially in high-stakes environments. This will help illustrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the PhD.
✨Connect with the Team
Since this role involves collaboration with various teams, express your enthusiasm for teamwork. Mention any past experiences where you successfully collaborated across disciplines. Building rapport with the interviewers can make a lasting impression and show that you're a good fit for their culture.
