PhD Studentship: Photocatalysis

Applications are invited for a 3.5-year PhD studentship starting in October 2026, under the supervision of Professor Erwin Reisner. 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 for the capture and utilisation of 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.

Applicants should have (or expect to obtain) the equivalent of at least a UK upper second class Master's degree in any branch of chemistry or closely related discipline of relevance to this project. The studentship will provide a maintenance grant at the UKRI national rate, and tuition fees at the UK/home rate. Non-UK applicants will be considered if they are able to fund the overseas fees differential.

The Reisner Laboratory is an international and multi-disciplinary environment where collaboration is strongly encouraged. We are committed to truly cross-disciplinary science. Further details of research in the Reisner group is at: https://www.ch.cam.ac.uk/person/er376

To apply, please submit an application through the University Applicant Portal: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/pcchpdpch for the course "PhD in Chemistry", naming Professor Erwin Reisner as potential supervisor.

Information about research in the Department of Chemistry is given at: http://www.ch.cam.ac.uk

For any queries about this studentship, please contact Prof. Erwin Reisner by email at pa-reisner@ch.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference MA49486 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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

Key information

Department/location

Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry

Reference

MA49486

Category

Studentships

Date published

22 April 2026

Closing date

14 May 2026