Applications are invited for a joint PhD studentship with Institute for Materials Discovery at University College London (UCL), and ISIS Neutron and Muon Source at the Harwell Campus.

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This exciting fully funded studentship (UKRI standard) aims to unlock non-invasive three-dimensional elemental and structural tomography using negative muons. By combining muography (Mu-CT) and muonic X-ray tomography (MuX-CT) with advanced detector technologies and physics-informed reconstruction algorithms, the project seeks to establish a globally unique capability for non-destructive, non-activating characterisation of complex materials and operating energy devices. 

Although many powerful characterisation techniques exist, each suffers from fundamental limitations. Chemical techniques such as ICP and AAS are highly accurate but destructive; X-ray and neutron-based methods often struggle with penetration depth, high-Z materials, or provide only bulk-averaged information; while diffraction-based techniques infer elemental composition indirectly and are restricted to ordered materials. These challenges severely limit the study of sensitive or intact samples, including energy storage devices, cultural heritage artefacts, geological materials, and biological systems. Negative muon techniques provide a transformative alternative, enabling simultaneous probing of density, elemental composition, and oxidation state, independent of atomic ordering. 

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The PhD project will focus on the following key areas: 

1. development and optimisation of Mu-CT and MuX-CT for three-dimensional density and elemental imaging using tunable negative muon beams; 

2. implementation of physics-informed and iterative tomographic reconstruction algorithms integrating beam modelling, SRIM/EVA simulations, and advanced signal processing; 

3. application of combined Mu-CT/MuX-CT techniques to the study of degradation mechanisms in advanced battery systems, such as Li-ion, metal-air, Li–S and solid-state chemistries; 

4. development of operando muon tomography to track microstructural evolution, elemental migration, and oxidation-state changes during battery operation. 

 

The candidate will spend a one-year period at Harwell, with the remainder in UCL’s East Campus in Stratford. UCL East hosts a diverse, highly interdisciplinary research environment spanning energy, engineering, sustainability, conservation, and applied physics, providing exceptional opportunities for collaboration. The student will also be expected to engage closely with technical facility staff and industrial partners to ensure the techniques developed are relevant to real-world applications. 

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The successful candidate must: 

• Have (or expect to obtain) a 1st or strong 2:1 degree in physics, or a closely related discipline, with an understanding of particle physics. 

• Experience in experimental characterisation, data analysis and modelling. 

• Competency with particle-based modelling software (i.e. Geant4/G4 Beamline). 

• Competency with coding in python. 

• Experience with tomography and/or energy materials is desirable. 

• Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills. 

• Able to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team 

• Willing to travel to national and international facilities for experiments, training, and dissemination of results.

 

Applications must include: 

1. a full CV; 

2. a research statement outlining relevant experience and interests; 

3. a cover letter explaining suitability for the project and motivation for doctoral study.