Summer research placements - summer 2026

On this webpage you can learn about and apply for summer placement opportunities in summer 2026. 


Please read the FAQs below for further information. If your question is not answered below, please contact Dr Jon Tate.

Current summer research placement projects

Project title: Novel Nuclear Data Handling in Monte Carlo Neutron Transport
Project description: Nuclear reactor analysis consists of simulating the behaviour of neutrons in a reactor core. Often, Monte Carlo methods are employed, where individual neutrons are simulated in high-fidelity as they traverse the system. These simulations rely on nuclear data which defines the probability distributions for neutrons to collide with a given nuclide, to undergo a particular reaction, and the outcome of those reactions. This project proposes to implement the handling of Generalised Nuclear Database Structure files in SCONE, the Cambridge Monte Carlo neutron transport code which is actively developed in the engineering department. Having implemented the format, the student would validate its accuracy on several nuclear benchmark problems (small critical systems up to full reactor cores).
Supervisor: Dr Paul Cosgrove
Institution: University of Cambridge

 

Project title: Using Machine Learning Interatomic Potentials to Determine Steel’s Response to Neutron Damage
Project description: This project will develop new high-temperature advanced reduced activation ferritic martensitic (ARAFM) steels for fusion blankets. This project aims to firstly train new neural network potentials. The trained models
will be used to model a selection of proposed steel compositions under many environments. Particular focus will
be placed on the possible formation of G-phase precipitates. G-phase precipitates have been proposed for decades,
but never confirmed.
Supervisor: Dr Ryan Stroud
Institution: Imperial College London

 

Project title: Atomic Scale Modelling With Machine Learning Interatomic Potentials of Radiation Damage in W Alloys for Plasma facing components
Project description: Tungsten is the leading candidate for the plasma facing material in a tokamak reactor. However, it suffers from a high ductile-to-brittle transition temperature (DBTT) complicating manufacturability. Alloying tungsten with potassium can lower this (DBTT) however the behaviour of potassium in tungsten under irradiation is unknown. When high energy neutrons collide with a material, they can create lattice defects by knocking atoms from their ordered lattice positions. These defects accumulate, migrate, and interact affecting the properties of these critical components. In this project, we will use state of the art machine learning potentials to model the accumulation of radiation damage at the atomic scale and determine how potassium changes this behavior and the material’s properties.
Supervisor: Dr Ryan Stroud
Institution: Imperial College London



Project title: Atomic Scale Modelling with Machine Learning Interatomic Potentials of Radiation Damage and Transmutation in SiC for SiC/Sic Blanket Designs
Project description: SiC/SiC composite blanket designs  must perform under high neutron damage. When high energy neutrons collide with a material, they can create lattice defects by knocking atoms from their ordered lattice positions, or they can cause transmutation events to occur, where an atom is transformed into a different element type such as a Si atom transforming into Al. The impact of this damage on SiC thermal conductivity and dimensional stability is not yet known. On this project, we will use state of the art machine learning interatomic potentials to model the accumulation of irradiation damage in SiC and changes in the material’s properties.
Supervisor: Dr Colleen Reynolds
Institution: Imperial College London

 

Project title: Atomic Scale Modelling with Machine Learning Interatomic Potentials of Radiation Damage and Transmutation in Cu Alloys for Fusion Reactor Cooling Systems
Project description: Cu alloys proposed for the cooling pipe in tokamak reactors must perform under high neutron damage. When high energy neutrons collide with a material, they can create lattice defects by knocking atoms from their ordered lattice positions, or they can cause transmutation events to occur, where an atom is transformed into a different element type such as a Cu atom transforming into Ni or Zn. This damage accumulates during radiation and alters the materials properties such as thermal conductivity, strength, and corrosion behavior. On this project, we will use state of the art machine learning interatomic potentials to model the accumulation of irradiation damage in Cu alloys and explore how radiation damage and alloys compositions both play a role in the materials property evolution over the lifetime in the reactor.
Supervisor: Dr Colleen Reynolds
Institution: Imperial College London


Project title: Engineering Self-passivating Alumina Protective Coatings on EUROFER for Safe and Durable Fusion Reactors
Project description: The main candidate structural steel material for fusion energy reactors (EUROFER) must withstand extremely severe conditions arising from exposure to high temperatures and radiation. This project investigates alumina coatings as a protective barrier to mitigate both corrosion and the permeation of tritium (a scarce radioactive hydrogen-isotope fuel) through the steel reactor structure.
Supervisor: Prof Livia Cupertino Malheiros
Institution: Imperial College London


FAQs

What is the duration of a summer placement?

We intend for summer placements to last around 8-10 weeks in the months of June, July, August and September. All placements will conclude before the beginning of October. Exact timeframes will be agreed when an offer is made to the student.

Will the summer placement be funded?

It is our policy to provide summer placement students with the current National (or London) Living Wage. Exact funding will be agreed when an offer is made to the student.

What are the eligibility criteria?

The student should be registered to an undergraduate programme at UK university studying a degree with some relevance to the placement they are applying for. Ideally the student will be in their second or third year of said degree.

There are no nationality or residency requirements.

Students should be willing to relocate to the location of the placement where applicable.

Can I apply for more than one project?

Yes, you are allowed to apply for multiple projects. 

What work will I do?

Nuclear is a broad subject so it is difficult to be prescriptive about the work undertaken. The project descriptions will provide information here, and you can always contact the project supervisor for further information..

How do I apply?

Students that would like to apply for a summer placement should send the following documents to Dr Jon Tate with the title of the project in the e-mail title:

  • CV/Resume
  • Cover Letter detailing your motivation
  • Contact details of one academic reference

What is involved in the application process?

Your application will be reviewed by the CDT Director Dr Mark Wenman, the CDT Manager Dr Jon Tate, and the supervisor for the project.

Students that pass this first stage will be invited to a short MS Teams interview where they can be expected to be asked questions about their motivation for the summer placement, their career aspirations, and some technical questions about the project area.

A shortlist of up to three students will be created, and we will work down that shortlist until the successful student confirms they would like to accept the offer of the placement.

When do applications close?

Application strictly close on Friday 17 April 2026 at 23:59.

Due to the popularity of the scheme we will not be able to accept applications after this time.