[School of Natural Sciences PhD Scholarships] Very High Energy Electron Cancer Therapy

About the project

About the Project PhD Opportunity: Shape the Future of Advanced Cancer Treatment with Very High Energy Electrons (VHEE) Are you excited by cutting‑edge physics, high‑impact medical innovation and the chance to work with world‑leading research facilities? This PhD offers a unique opportunity to help redefine what radiotherapy can achieve. Very High Energy Electron (VHEE) beams are emerging as one of the most promising avenues for next‑generation cancer treatment. They enable rapid, highly controlled dose delivery, exceptional beam steering and potentially more favourable dose distributions than conventional photon‑based radiotherapy. Their ability to operate at ultra‑high dose rates also connects directly to the rapidly growing field of FLASH radiotherapy, where such conditions may produce powerful radiobiological benefits. In this project, you will explore the full potential of VHEE beams through a rich combination of analytical modelling, numerical simulation and hands‑on experimental work. You will develop expertise across accelerator physics, mathematical modelling and medical physics—an exceptional interdisciplinary foundation for a career in research, clinical technology or advanced instrumentation. A major part of the research involves Monte Carlo simulations using Geant4 and TOPAS to model particle transport and dose deposition in realistic tissue environments. You will investigate how VHEE beams behave in the presence of bone, air cavities and other heterogeneities, and assess their advantages in anatomically challenging treatment sites. Your simulation work will be complemented by experimental studies at leading accelerator facilities, where you will test advanced beam‑delivery concepts and validate your models using tissue‑equivalent materials. This blend of theory, simulation and experiment offers a rare opportunity to contribute directly to the development of future radiotherapy technologies. You will join a dynamic, collaborative research network with strong partnerships across CERN, Daresbury Laboratory, the Cockcroft Institute, and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. These collaborations provide exceptional training, access to world‑class facilities and a direct pathway to impactful, clinically relevant research. This project is expected to start in September 2027. Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. How to apply: To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Natural Sciences Scholarships . If you don’t already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here . When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing your motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications . Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status. We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder. Eligibility : The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree (or international equivalent) in Physics OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit (or international equivalent) in Physics. This project will remain open until filled. If your application is submitted by 1 st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18 th December 2026. If your application is submitted by 15 th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30 th March 2027. Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project. FSESoNS

Research areas