Postdoctoral Research Associate: Electrochemistry and Energy Storage (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge - Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry

Location: Cambridge

Salary: £33,002 to £46,049

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 3rd September 2025

Closes: 8th October 2025

Job Ref: MA47152

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

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research associate to join the group of Prof. Alexander Forse at the Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge. This project seeks to understand the fundamentals of supercapacitor energy storage devices, using metal-organic frameworks as model electrode materials with well-defined structures.

Research in the Forse group centers around the development of new materials for climate change mitigation. Supercapacitors are fast-charging energy storage devices that are complementary to batteries. The overarching aim of this post-doctoral position is to understand how supercapacitors work and improve their performance.

Day to day, the project will involve electrode synthesis/fabrication, electrochemistry experiments, data analysis and interpretation, and working with and mentoring PhD and Masters level students. The successful applicant will benefit from access to state-of-the-art gas adsorption instruments, potentiostats, NMR spectrometers, and wet-lab space, as required for this project. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing electrochemistry equipment in the Forse Group, and will coordinate fortnightly subgroup meetings on energy storage.

Candidates should explain in their cover letter how they meet the following selection criteria:

Essential criteria: (i) have PhD-level expertise in electrochemistry (e.g. batteries, supercapacitors, electrocatalysis etc.), (ii) have completed (or be about to obtain) a PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering or materials chemistry. Optional criterion: (iii) have experience with metal-organic framework synthesis and characterisation.

We strongly encourage you to apply if you are interested, and we are keen to see as many applications as possible from BAME applicants, women, applicants with diverse gender identities, and other under-represented groups. We encourage good work-life balance, and accommodate flexible working arrangements.

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

For queries relating to the position or the application process, please contact Prof. Alexander Forse by email, acf50@cam.ac.uk.

Please quote reference MA47152 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.