Project Overview
| Opportunity | NDA PhD Studentship: Guardrails for AI in the Nuclear Sector at Lancaster University |
| Host | Lancaster University |
| Location | Lancaster, United Kingdom |
| Study Level | PhD |
| Funding | Fully Funded, stipend provided, tuition covered |
| Stipend | Enhanced stipend and fees for 42 months. |
| Application Deadline | Open - Apply as soon as possible |
| Apply | Official application page ↗ |
About the Position
The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) PhD Studentship at Lancaster University focuses on understanding the longitudinal challenges of applying guardrails to Artificial Intelligence in the nuclear sector. This is a 42-month funded project, including fees and an enhanced stipend.
Project Details
The nuclear sector is exploring the use of AI to support various functions, including operational technology (OT). Guardrails are socio-technical measures to protect systems from errant AI behaviour. This PhD will investigate a framework that supports risk-informed decisions about the choice of guardrails for ensuring safe and secure operation of nuclear functions, focusing on case studies that incorporate AI for improving security and efficiency of OT. The framework should consider characteristics of guardrails (cost, flexibility, scrutability, effectiveness) and how they are affected by longitudinal drift.
Supervisor
Professor Paul Smith, School of Computing and Communications, Lancaster University.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants must have a Master’s degree and/or a minimum of a 2:1 in their bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.
- Applicants must be resident in the UK during the period of study; they may need to travel to collect data during their studies and will need to obtain security clearance.
- Expected primary fieldwork site will be in Cumbria.
Funding
- 42-month funded project, including fees and an enhanced stipend.
Contact
Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be raised through the contact channel given on the official announcement page (see the Official Link section above). Always quote the position reference in your message so the admissions or HR team can route your enquiry quickly.
Important Notes
- Application deadline: Open - Apply as soon as possible - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
- Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
- Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.
About Lancaster University
Lancaster University is a public research university in northwest England. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes across science, technology, business, humanities and social sciences. Its research includes computing, communications, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, while its collegiate community supports interdisciplinary work and partnerships with industry, public organisations and international institutions.
Official website: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted via the standard admissions process. You must provide an up-to-date CV, two references, a written statement of purpose, and a further piece of research/assignment work, dissertation section, or publication is recommended.
Official Link
https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/scc/study/phd/phd-opportunities/#nuclear-decommissioning-authority-nda-phd-studentship-understanding-the-longitudinal-challenges-of-applying-guardrails-to-artificial-intelligence-in-the-nuclear-sector-343328-2
Application guides
Frequently asked questions
Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.
What is the deadline for NDA PhD Studentship: Guardrails for AI in the Nuclear Sector at Lancaster University?
Applications for this listing stay open on a rolling basis — there is no fixed closing date (Open - Apply as soon as possible). Apply early: rolling awards are often confirmed in the order applications are received.
Is NDA PhD Studentship: Guardrails for AI in the Nuclear Sector at Lancaster University fully funded?
This is a fully funded award: tuition is covered and a living stipend is provided for the duration of the programme. £21,805/year (UKRI minimum stipend 2026/27).
Who is eligible to apply for NDA PhD Studentship: Guardrails for AI in the Nuclear Sector at Lancaster University?
This listing is open to UK applicants only. If you are applying from outside the UK, this one will not accept your application — filter United Kingdom listings by residency before you spend time on it. Applications are assessed by Lancaster University.
How do I apply for NDA PhD Studentship: Guardrails for AI in the Nuclear Sector at Lancaster University?
Applications for NDA PhD Studentship: Guardrails for AI in the Nuclear Sector at Lancaster University are submitted directly to Lancaster University through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.
Is an English proficiency test required for NDA PhD Studentship: Guardrails for AI in the Nuclear Sector at Lancaster University?
Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for United Kingdom are published by the provider.
What study level does NDA PhD Studentship: Guardrails for AI in the Nuclear Sector at Lancaster University offer?
This listing is offered at PhD level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.