Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Sustainable Electrochemical Synthesis

Trinity College Dublin invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow position in the McAuley Group, School of Chemistry, working on a Research Ireland funded project: Sustainable Synthetic Transformations: Replacing Photons with Electrons.

This project aims to develop electrochemical alternatives to conventional photoredox catalysis. By using electricity to initiate radical reactions, we seek to create more sustainable, scalable, and practical synthetic methodologies while reducing reliance on toxic reagents, rare metals, and chemical waste.

The research sits at the interface of synthetic organic chemistry, electrochemistry, and reaction engineering. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of new electrochemical synthetic methods and investigate the mechanisms that underpin electrochemically initiated radical transformations. The project will also explore the design of scalable electrochemical reactors and flow-based systems with potential industrial relevance.

Research activities may include:

• Development of electrochemical synthetic methodologies
• Mechanistic studies of radical reaction pathways
• Investigation of solvent, electrolyte, and electrode effects on reactivity and selectivity
• Development of flow-cell and reactor technologies
• Electroanalytical characterisation and voltammetry
• Collaboration on industrially relevant synthetic challenges

The position offers substantial opportunities for scientific creativity and independent research development within the broader aims of the project.

Applicants should hold, or be close to completion of, a PhD in Chemistry or a closely related discipline. We welcome candidates with backgrounds in synthetic organic chemistry, electrochemistry, physical chemistry, catalysis, materials chemistry, or related experimental disciplines.

Prior experience in electrochemistry is not essential. Candidates with strong laboratory experience in synthetic chemistry who are interested in learning electrochemical methods are particularly encouraged to apply.

The successful applicant will join a growing interdisciplinary research environment within the School of Chemistry at Trinity College Dublin and will have opportunities to publish in leading journals, present at international conferences, and engage with academic and industrial collaborators.

Duration: Up to 36 months
Expected start date: Autumn 2026

Further details are available on the Trinity College Dublin Recruitment pages: https://my.corehr.com/pls/trrecruit/erq_jobspec_details_form.jobspec?p_id=039240

Applications should include a cover letter, CV, and contact details for two referees.