Four-year International PhD Studentships
Three 4-year international PhD studentships are available at the University of Cambridge, starting in October 2024 under the supervision of Professor Erwin Reisner in the 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) chemistry, materials science, molecular biology, physics or engineering.
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.
- Provides international and multidisciplinary environment which strongly encourages collaborations.
- Students are supported by a world-leading team.
- Projects will develop new fundamental approaches and application strategies focused on capture and utilisation of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide or valorisation of biomass and plastic waste streams, and solar-powered technologies to convert carbon dioxide or biomass/plastic waste into renewable fuels and commodity chemicals.
Further project details
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 based on synthetic and biological catalysts that will provide a new means to make complex organic products with high efficiency and selectivity. Advanced materials design, physical characterisation (in particular spectroscopy and microscopy) and device engineering will be employed to optimise the technologies and to assemble prototype devices.
How to apply
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. These international studentships target the top candidates worldwide to join a multicultural team and provide a 4-year maintenance grant and full tuition fees to home and international students.
To apply, please follow the on-line instructions. You should explain what motivates you and specify your research interests when submitting your application.
Deadline 5 December 2023
The deadline to apply is the 5th of December 2023, when you must submit all documents, including reference letters. We recommend you start the submission process well in advance of the deadline.
Further information
Read more about research in the Reisner laboratory.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.