PhD Studentship in Microbiology

The Reisner Laboratory develops innovative technologies to convert solar energy into sustainable fuels and organic platform chemicals for a circular economy using a unique cross-disciplinary and collaborative approach.

Working with and learning from an experienced team of cross-disciplinary scientists, the PhD student will engineer live cells to convert carbon dioxide and other feedstock chemicals into bespoke complex chemicals. In a collaborative project, these cells will be interfaced with light harvesting semiconductor systems that will provide the feedstock chemicals consumed by the cells to enable semi-artificial photosynthesis of organic chemicals. This research will thereby develop biohybrid technologies with the outcomes to be published in top tier academic journals.

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

• Website Reisner Laboratory: https://www-reisner.ch.cam.ac.uk
• Publication on biohybrid system using green H2: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41929-022-00817-z
• Publication on biohybrid system using green formate: https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.6c03677

We invite applications from candidates who hold, or expect to obtain, the equivalent of a UK first-class Master's or honours degree in in Microbiology, Biochemistry or a closely related discipline. The application deadline is 2 November 2026.

Applicants should submit the following documents by email to pa-reisner@ch.cam.ac.uk:

1. A cover letter outlining their motivation for applying and describing their specific research interests.
2. A detailed curriculum vitae (CV).
3. Full academic transcripts.

In addition, applicants must submit a formal application, including reference letters, via https://www.ch.cam.ac.uk/pgapp/how-apply.

For any queries, please contact Gioia Gregori at pa-reisner@ch.cam.ac.uk.

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