Postdoctoral Research Associate in Gas-Phase Photocatalysis (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

Applications are invited for a two-year Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) position in gas-phase photocatalysis under the supervision of Prof Erwin Reisner within the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge.

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 and collaborations are strongly encouraged.

The PDRA will develop a practical integrated system for the capture and subsequent utilisation of atmospheric CO2 to produce green fuels and valuable chemicals. The focus will be on developing photocatalytic systems for gas-phase CO2 conversion to products and optimising these systems for integration with carbon capture processes. The project will build upon recent work in the group and utilise the broad expertise of the laboratory, with an emphasis on direct air capture, the coupling of carbon capture and solar-driven conversion, sunlight concentration, outdoor testing, as well as broad-spectrum light utilisation.

The PDRA will work with experienced researchers and a consortium in carbon capture and conversion, along with group members with diverse expertise. Outcomes of the project are expected to include publications in high-impact journals and the generation of novel IP.

More information about the laboratory and project can be found here:

• Reisner Laboratory Website: https://www-reisner.ch.cam.ac.uk/
• Publication on direct air capture and gas-phase CO2 conversion: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41560-025-01714-y
• Review on solar air-to-fuel technologies: https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.5c21750

This PDRA position will be funded by UK Research and Innovation through an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council grant.

The PDRA should have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in Chemistry or Materials Science or a closely related discipline. A strong background in carbon capture, CO2 conversion, gas-phase reactions, solar-driven technologies, reactor design, and/or flow systems would be desirable for the position. The candidate should also have a strong publication track record and have demonstrated outstanding performance throughout their studies and research career.

We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. 

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a covering letter and publications list in the upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents that have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

For queries relating to your application or the application process, please contact pa-reisner@ch.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference MA50434 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The Department holds an Athena SWAN silver award for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine.

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

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.