Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to work in the Reisner group in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge, UK. The project is part of a Leverhulme Trust funded project entitled 'Optofluidic microreactors for advanced photocatalysis'. Producing renewable solar fuel by Artificial Photosynthesis and sustainable chemicals by photoredox catalysis is recognised as a promising solution to the energy & environmental crisis, but these approaches are facing critical roadblocks in technology development.
This interdisciplinary project tackles the main problems holding back exploitation of photocatalysis: lack of quantitative in-operando (during reaction) analysis and therefore fundamental understanding. We will develop optical detection strategies based on hollow-core photonic crystal fibre, whose glass microstructure guides light through metre-long microfluidic channels. The resulting optofluidic microreactors enable ultrasensitive absorption spectroscopy within minute reaction volumes (several nL per cm). By combining fibres with microfluidic circuits, we will create a rapid screening platform for photocatalysts and flow-chemistry in general. This project will be executed in collaboration with the group of Dr Tijmen Euser, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge (
www.np.phy.cam.ac.uk/research-themes/optofluidics). Work of this PDRA based in Chemistry will therefore be closely executed with the Tijmen team in the Physics department.
Applicants should have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline. A strong background in photocatalysis is required and knowledge in materials chemistry, mechanistic chemistry, microfluidics and spectroscopy are desirable for the position. The applicant should have experience in coordinating activities as part of a larger interdisciplinary team. Candidates are encouraged to think outside of their formal field of training to fit into a creative, collaborative and dynamic research environment. A strong record of research productivity, reflected in a strong publication record as well as excellent communication, management and English writing skills will be required. The successful candidate will also be expected to help guiding undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as taking on laboratory management duties.
More information about the Reisner group, including relevant publications, can be found at www-reisner.ch.cam.ac.uk. Recent reviews on this topic are available here: Dalle, Warnan, Leung, Reuillard, Karmel & Reisner, Chem. Rev. 2019, 119, 2752-2875; Hutton, Martindale & Reisner, Chem. Soc. Rev. 2017, 46, 6111-6123; Willkomm, Orchard, Reynal, Pastor, Durrant & Reisner, Chem. Soc. Rev. 2016, 45, 9-23; Cubillas, Unterkofler, Euser, Etzold, Jones, Sadler, Wasserscheid & Russell, Chem. Soc. Rev., 2013, 42, 8629-8648.
To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please visit:
www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/21404Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a covering letter and include a publications list in the upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents that have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.
For queries relating to your application or the application process, please contact Inger Lomax (administrator of the Reisner laboratory) via email on
[email protected]Please quote reference MA19028 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.
