PhD Studentship in Chemistry for Catalytic CO2 Utilisation

A PhD studentship is available at the University of Cambridge, starting in October 2025 under the supervision of Professor Erwin Reisner in the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry. We are looking for the most talented and dedicated candidates to join our international research team. We are committed to truly cross-disciplinary science and our team values candidates with undergraduate/master level studies in (organic, inorganic, physical, biological) chemistry or closely related discipline for this project.

The Reisner Laboratory develops innovations and technologies to convert solar energy and renewable electricity into sustainable fuels and organic platform chemicals for a circular economy using a unique cross-disciplinary approach. This PhD project will develop new fundamental approaches and application strategies focused on capture and utilisation of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO₂) to produce valuable chemicals. Supported by a world-leading team, the PhD student will develop concepts and prototypes for the conversion of carbon dioxide into renewable fuels and commodity chemicals. The Reisner Lab is an international and multidisciplinary environment where collaborations are strongly encouraged.

The assembly of photon-to-chemical conversion systems and devices will be achieved by integrating bespoke catalysts into state-of-the-art semiconductor or integrated photovoltaic photoabsorbers. A specific goal is to develop catalysis cascades using synthetic and biological catalysts that will provide a new means to make complex organic products with high efficiency and selectivity from CO₂. Advanced materials design, physical characterisation (in particular spectroscopy and microscopy) and device assembly will be employed to optimise the technologies and to assemble prototype devices.

We invite candidates that have (or expect to obtain) the equivalent of a UK first class Master’s degree in one of the disciplines listed above to apply. The studentship targets the top candidates worldwide to join a multicultural team and will thus provide a 4-year scholarship.

Formal applications can only be made in September. This advert will be updated with a link as soon as the Applicant Portal is open. The candidates should provide their motivation and specify their research interests when submitting their application.

The deadline for applications is the 29^th of November 2024, when all documents including reference letters need to be submitted. It is thus recommended to start the submission process well in advance of the deadline.

Further information about research in the Reisner laboratory is available at: http://www-reisner.ch.cam.ac.uk

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.