Decommissioning Cultures and Communities: understanding culture change from operation to decommissioning in a large nuclear facility (NDA funded) PhD Human Geography Ref: 5864

Supervisors

Dr Leila Dawney, Associate Professor of Human Geography, Department of Geography, University of Exeter.

Professor Karen Bickerstaff, Professor of Human Geography, Department of Geography, University of Exeter.

The University of Exeter’s Department of Geography is inviting applications for a PhD bursary funded by the Nuclear Decommissioning Agency to commence on 10 September 2026.  For eligible students the studentship will cover Home tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £22,442 for 4 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study.  The student would be based in Geography, in the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy at the Streatham Campus in Exeter.

Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD studentship exploring how workers, families and communities adapt to large-scale industrial change in the UK nuclear sector. Focusing on the transition from operations to decommissioning at the Sellafield site, this project examines how identity, culture and community evolve in response to changing work environments.

Sellafield is central to the UK’s nuclear decommissioning mission and the largest site within the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) estate. For decades, it has shaped the economic and social fabric of West Cumbria, employing multiple generations of local families. As facilities move from fuel reprocessing to decommissioning, workers face significant changes to their roles, skills, and sense of purpose, reshaping their relationship with work, employer and community.

This PhD takes a psychosocial, community-focused approach to understanding these transitions. It will explore themes including decommissioning culture, workforce skills, and psychological safety, identifying barriers to trust and wellbeing in high-hazard, mission-driven environments. The research moves beyond organisational perspectives to examine how workplace, home and community relationships interact to shape experiences of change.

Using qualitative social science methods, the successful candidate will undertake in-depth biographical and narrative interviews with workers and their families, alongside analysis of archival materials such as the “Sellafield Stories” collection of oral histories. The project will generate a rich understanding of how communities connected to major infrastructure adapt over time, and how institutions can better support them.

The research directly supports the NDA mission by enhancing workforce engagement, strengthening community relationships, and ensuring social value is maintained through transition. Findings will help organisations better manage change, foster psychological safety, and support both current and future workforces.

The studentship provides training in qualitative research, community engagement and stakeholder communication. You will develop expertise in participatory methods, working with hard-to-reach groups, and analysing complex concepts such as identity, trust and belonging. Training is delivered through the University of Exeter’s Researcher Development Programme, with opportunities in publishing, policy engagement and dissemination.

You will join a supportive and experienced supervisory team with extensive expertise in nuclear communities and public engagement, and benefit from a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment as a member of the Nuclear Societies research cluster.

The studentship includes a generous research and training allowance.

The student will be expected to undertake a four-month secondment with the NDA at the Sellafield site and to attend international conferences.

The successful candidate will be required to obtain BPSS security clearance prior to receiving any funding and starting the project.

The collaboration involves a project partner who is providing funding [and other material support to the project], this means there are special terms that apply to the project, these will be discussed with Candidates at Interview and fully set out in the offer letter.  The collaboration with the named project partner is subject to contract and full details will be confirmed at offer stage.

Eligibility and International Applicants
This studentship is open to applicants with a background in social sciences or humanities (e.g. sociology, human geography, business and management, anthropology or related disciplines).

International applicants should note that they will be responsible for additional costs not covered by the studentship. These include international fees, student visa fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge, and relocation expenses associated with moving to the UK. Applicants must ensure they have sufficient funds to meet these costs before applying.

Interviews will take place on 1^st June 2026, online.

Entry requirements

Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a Master’s degree at merit or above in an appropriate area of the social sciences, or cognate experience.

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements and provide proof of proficiency. Click here for more information.

How to apply

Apply now

To apply, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button above. In the application process you will be asked to upload several documents 

•             CV

•             1 page letter of application outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project.

•             3 page research proposal including references.

•             Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying).

•             Please obtain two references from referees familiar with your academic work/professional experience to submit with your application. If your referees prefer, they can email the reference direct to PGRApplicants@exeter.ac.uk quoting the studentship reference number.

•             If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English.

The closing date for applications is midday on 20 May, 2026.  Interviews will be held virtually on 1 June 2026.

All application documents must be submitted in English. Certified translated copies of academic qualifications must also be provided.

Please quote reference 5864 on your application and in any correspondence about this studentship. 

For general information about this studentship and the application process, please contact PGRApplicants@exeter.ac.uk. Project specific queries should be directed to the main supervisor.

Summary