About the Project
Saturn_Nuclear_CDT (please do not remove this text)
We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to join an interdisciplinary research project funded through the SATURN Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) at the University of Strathclyde. The project explores the role protists, with a focus on the free-living amoeba, Acanthamoeba, in shaping microbial biodiversity, resilience in nuclear-influenced aquatic environments, such as heated waterways associated with nuclear infrastructure.
Nuclear systems interact extensively with natural water environments, and interaction with microbiological systems needs to be further explored in nuclear research. This project takes a novel approach by applying concepts from microbial ecology, evolutionary biology and systems science to nuclear contexts. Free-living amoebae act as key predators and intracellular hosts for bacteria, influencing microbial survival, adaptation and transmission under environmental stress. Understanding these interactions offers a new way of thinking about long-term environmental stewardship and risk in nuclear systems.
The research will combine laboratory-based experimental work with molecular and ecological approaches, supported by access to specialist facilities through SATURN and strategic investments at Strathclyde. Full training will be provided; prior experience in nuclear science is not required.
Training and Skills Development
As part of the SATURN CDT, the student will undertake a comprehensive training programme including:
- Core training in nuclear science, radiation, safety culture and environmental stewardship
- Practical skills in microbiology, molecular ecology and data analysis
- Interdisciplinary systems thinking and research design
- Professional development in communication, project management and responsible research and innovation
The student will be supported by an experienced supervisory team and a vibrant CDT cohort, providing strong peer support and networking opportunities.
Candidate Background
We welcome applications from candidates with backgrounds in biological sciences, environmental science, microbiology, ecology, biomedical sciences or related disciplines. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who may not see themselves as “traditional” nuclear researchers. Enthusiasm, curiosity and a willingness to work across disciplines are more important than prior subject-specific experience.
The University of Strathclyde is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we particularly encourage applications from groups under-represented in doctoral research.
This PhD is based with the SATURN Centre for Doctoral Training. SATURN is made up form a consortium of NW Universities that include Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Lancaster, Sheffield and Strathclyde. The ethos of the programme is to recruit students from across STEM and give them the necessary skills and training to become a subject matter expert in the nuclear sector in either industry or academia. You will be recruited with a cohort of other researchers all looking at nuclear focused research but from across the breadth of the sector. Your training will include an introduction to nuclear course as well as opportunities to do a deep dive in the areas that really interest you. You will also have the opportunity to broaden your experience and skills by visiting internationally relevant facilities, having an industry secondment, undertaking leadership training, and involving yourself in outreach and public engagement activities. If this sounds like the sort of opportunity that you are looking for, we would love to hear from you.
Nuclear Boot Camp (Months 1 – 3)
The Bootcamp is based at Manchester for any of our students based at a partner institutions SATURN can offer you accommodation in Manchester and cover the cost
Eligibility
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline
Before you apply
We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project before you apply. For informal enquiries, please contact Fiona Henriquez at fiona.henriquez@strath.ac.uk
How to apply
Please complete the Enquiry Form to express your interest. We strongly recommend you contact the project supervisor after completing the form to speak to them about your suitability for the project.
If your qualifications meet our standard entry requirements, the CDT Admissions Team will send your enquiry form and CV to the named project supervisor.
Our application process can also be found on our website: here If you have any questions, please contact SATURN@manchester.ac.uk
Equality, diversity and inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.
We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.
We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).
Funding Notes
Funding includes tuition fees, a four-year stipend at the Home student rate and a maintenance grant for 4 years, starting at the UKRI minimum of ÂŁ21,805 pa. as well as research costs and travel expenses. The researcher will join the SATURN Nuclear Energy Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT), where they will benefit from a 3-month taught course led by subject experts, followed by 3-4 months of research skills training to prepare the student with the skills and knowledge to succeed as an independent researcher. Fee waivers may be available for international candidates that do not require ATAS clearance, this is subject to availability. Applicants from the EU, US, and Australia are encouraged to apply. The Studentship also comes with access to additional funding in the form of a research training support grant which is available to fund conference attendance, fieldwork, internships etc.
References
Mooney, R., Corbett, E., Giammarini, E., Rodgers, K., Donet, C., Mui, E., Ansari, A. T. A., Ransingh, A., Vernekar, P. S., Walia, H. K., Sharma, J., Connolly, J., Hursthouse, A., Mukherji, S., Mukherji, S., & Henriquez, F. L. (2025). The microbial Trojan Horse and antimicrobial resistance: Acanthamoeba as an environmental reservoir for multidrug resistant bacteria. Environmental Microbiology, 27(11), Article e70193. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/1462-2920.70193
Mooney, R., Rodgers, K., Carnicelli, S., Carnevale, M. E., Farias, M. E., & Henriquez, F. L. (2025). Isolation of Acanthamoeba species and bacterial symbiont variability in Puna salt plains, Argentina. Environmental Microbiology Reports, 17(1), Article e70059. https://doi.org/10.1111/1758-2229.70059
Rayamajhee, B., Willcox, M. D. P., Henriquez, F. L., Petsoglou, C., Subedi, D., & Carnt, N.
