PhD Studentship in Photocatalysis

A PhD studentship for home (UK) students is available at the University of Cambridge, starting in October 2026 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 in photocatalysis to capture and utilisation of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2), biomass or plastic wastes to produce green fuels and valuable chemicals. Supported by a world-leading team, the PhD student will develop concepts in photocatalysis 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.

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 to join a multicultural team and will thus provide a 3.5-year scholarship.

To apply, please follow the on-line instructions at https://www.ch.cam.ac.uk/pgapp/how-apply. The candidates should provide their motivation and specify their research interests when submitting their application.

Final deadline for applications for a start in October 2026 is 14 May 2026, when all documents including reference letters need to be submitted.

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.