Postdoctoral Research Associate in Inorganic Materials Chemistry

About the role

Applications are invited for two Postdoctoral Research Associate positions in Inorganic Materials Chemistry to join Professor Ludmilla Steier’s research group. These posts form part of an ambitious, EPSRC-funded ERC Starting Grant project (Photocat3.0) focusing on Thin-Film Sulphide Photocatalysts for Photocatalytic CO2 Conversion.

The project aims to pioneer direct atomic layer deposition (ALD) routes to complex ternary sulphide thin films and to harness their potential for photocatalytic conversion of CO2 and hydrogen into valuable fuels. Sulphide materials remain underexplored despite their highly promising optoelectronic properties, and this programme seeks to unlock their potential by precisely controlling thin-film growth and surface chemistry.

The successful candidates will focus on understanding and designing the ALD growth process at a fundamental level, while also investigating the optical properties, catalytic activity, and operando stability of these materials under photohydrogenation conditions. By integrating controlled thin-film synthesis with advanced in situ and operando characterisation, the project aims to establish new design principles for efficient and stable photocatalysts for small-molecule conversion.

These positions offer the opportunity to contribute to a high-profile, externally funded programme at the interface of surface chemistry, thin-film materials science, and photocatalysis, within a dynamic and collaborative research environment.

The posts will be based in the Department of Chemistry, working in the Physical & Theoretical Laboratory, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QZ and are available as soon as possible.

Find out more about our research and group at: https://steiergroup.web.ox.ac.uk

About you

You hold (or are close to completing) a PhD in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline prior to taking up the appointment.

You are a motivated and enthusiastic self-starter who thrives both independently and as part of a dynamic research team. You are organised, proactive, and capable of managing multiple workstreams while meeting deadlines and agreed project goals. You will take ownership of your research and associated administrative responsibilities, demonstrating strong small-scale project management skills.

The project requires expertise in surface science, in particular in atomic layer deposition (ALD) and/or catalysis, coupled to operando characterisation (UV-vis, Raman, IR or related spectroscopies). Experience in designing, constructing, or modifying optical setups to monitor surface processes is essential. Familiarity with the ALD of ternary sulphides or oxides would be advantageous, as would 3D design skills and a strong understanding of semiconductor and defect chemistry/physics.

About the application process

Applications for these vacancies are to be made online, and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your application. In your supporting statement (<5 pages), please explain how you meet each of the selection criteria found in the job description and provide the contact details of two referees you would be happy to be contacted in reference to your application.

Certificates, reference letters and research papers should not be provided at this stage.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 midday, 23 April 2026, UK time, and interviews could be held as soon as possible after the deadline.

The University of Oxford and the Department of Chemistry are Silver Athena SWAN holders. Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and ethnic minority candidates, who are under-represented in Chemistry research posts in Oxford.