Applications are invited for a fully funded 3.5-year PhD Studentship in photocatalytic air-to-fuel conversion at the University of Cambridge. Based within the prestigious Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry and under the supervision of Professor Erwin Reisner, this position offers exceptional candidates worldwide the opportunity to work at the cutting edge of solar energy conversion, direct air capture, and circular chemistry.
Overview Table
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Designation | PhD Researcher / PhD Studentship |
| Host Institution | University of Cambridge |
| Department | Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry |
| Research Group | Reisner Laboratory (Prof. Erwin Reisner) |
| Level of Study | Postgraduate Research (PhD) |
| Mode of Study | Full-Time or Part-Time |
| Funding Duration | 3.5 Years (Fixed Term) |
| Eligible Nationalities | Open to Home (UK) and International Applicants |
| Location | Cambridge, United Kingdom |
| Application Deadline | Open until filled / Follow Cambridge Postgraduate Admissions cycle |
Designation
The successful applicant will hold the designation of Graduate Research Assistant / PhD Student in Photocatalysis within the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge.
Research Area
The research sits at the intersection of chemistry, materials science, and chemical engineering. Primary areas of focus include:
- Photocatalytic and solar-driven air-to-fuel conversion.
- Direct air capture (DAC) coupled with gas-phase carbon dioxide (CO2) conversion.
- Development of sustainable fuels and value-added organic platform chemicals for a circular economy.
- Sunlight concentration, broad-spectrum light utilization, and real-world outdoor testing of integrated conversion devices.
Location
The PhD project is hosted at the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, United Kingdom. Cambridge offers world-class analytical infrastructure, interdisciplinary research institutes, and a vibrant collegiate university life.
Eligibility and Qualifications
To be considered for this competitive studentship, prospective applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Record: Hold (or expect to obtain) a first-class or high upper-second-class (2:1) Master’s or Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent international qualification) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely aligned physical science discipline.
- Nationality: Open to both UK (Home) and International students.
- Skills and Attributes: Demonstrated experience or strong interest in heterogeneous or molecular catalysis, synthetic chemistry, materials characterization, and renewable energy technologies.
- Language Proficiency: Must meet the University of Cambridge English language requirement for postgraduate admission.
Scholarship Description
The Reisner Laboratory is a globally recognized research group dedicated to inventing sustainable technologies that transform solar energy and environmental waste into circular fuels and industrial chemicals. As part of this 3.5-year studentship, the successful researcher will:
- Design, synthesize, and evaluate integrated photocatalytic systems capable of gas-phase carbon capture and concurrent transformation into clean chemical fuels.
- Collaborate actively with senior postdoctoral fellows and doctoral researchers working across chemical synthesis, spectroscopy, and reactor design.
- Contribute to a broader UK-wide collaborative network focused on advancing solar-to-chemical energy technologies.
- Produce peer-reviewed research papers targeted at high-impact journals and explore prospects for intellectual property (IP) creation.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should follow these steps to submit an application:
- Review Research Background: Visit the Reisner Laboratory Website to familiarize yourself with the group’s ongoing projects, recent papers on gas-phase CO2 conversion, and equipment.
- Informal Enquiries: You may submit informal queries along with your academic CV to Gioia Gregori via email at pa-reisner@ch.cam.ac.uk.
- Formal Application: Submit a formal postgraduate application via the University of Cambridge Postgraduate Admissions Applicant Portal, selecting the PhD in Chemistry and indicating Professor Erwin Reisner as the prospective supervisor.
Last Date for Apply
Open Until Filled
Applications are reviewed according to the University of Cambridge postgraduate funding timetable. Prospective candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible to ensure full consideration for department-wide and university funding allocations.
Apply Link
For full funding details, entry requirements, and the official application portal, please visit the official Cambridge funding link below:
Apply via University of Cambridge Funding Directory
