PhD Particle Accelerator Physics

University of Manchester

Programme description

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Manchester is one of the largest and most active departments of physics in the UK. We have a long tradition of excellence in both teaching and research and have interests in most areas of contemporary research.

The Department has a strong presence in a number of Manchester-based centres for multidisciplinary research: the Photon Science Institute, the Manchester Centre for Non-Linear Dynamics, the Dalton Nuclear Institute, and the Mesoscience and Nanotechnology Centre. In addition, the Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire is a part of the Department.

The research within our Particle Accelerator Group is focussed on machines associated with high energy particle physics and medical physics. The former entails breakthrough research on anti-hydrogen, on machine design for LHC high luminosity and high-energy upgrades, novel very high gradient acceleration plasma and dielectric schemes, and Terahertz radiation sources. The medical physics work entails the design of dramatically new machines and on biological and dose delivery aspects of very high energy particle beams for improved treatment of cancer via radiotherapy. The associated experiments are conducted at world class laboratories, including CERN, the CLARA (Compact Linear Accelerator for Research and Applications)/VELA (Versatile Electron Linear Accelerator) facility at Daresbury laboratory, the Christie NHS Trust and the Photon Science Institute. In addition, the Cockcroft Institure of Science and Technology, in Cheshire, is a part of the Group. You can also download our Postgraduate Project Booklet (PDF document, 2.5Mb) which contains details of research projects a sample of projects within the Department. To assess the potential for a studentship and current availabilty of projects contact Prof. R.M. Jones ( ).

Supervision is provided by academic staff, who are leaders in their fields, with independent pastoral back-up. Transferable skills training is available and there are some department teaching opportunities. Projects are funded by STFC, EPSRC and other sources.

The postgraduate research environment is well funded and world-class as demonstrated by our grade 5a RAE status. Supervision is provided by academic staff, who are leaders in their fields, with independent pastoral back-up. Transferable skills training is available and there are some departmental teaching opportunities.