Study · Research · Fellowships

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We are always looking for ambitious, passionate and talented students and scientists who want to advance solar chemistry and sustainability.

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PhD positions

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Postdoctoral positions

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Undergraduate positions

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Who we’re looking for

Curiosity, rigour and a clear research fit.

We welcome applicants with a strong background in electrochemistry and photochemistry, spectroscopy, materials chemistry, organic synthesis, biochemistry and microbiology, analytical chemistry, or chemical and device engineering. Postgraduate and postdoctoral applicants should email Prof. Erwin Reisner directly at reisner@ch.cam.ac.uk and include possible start dates and funding opportunities.

Because the group receives a large number of enquiries, it is not possible to respond to every message. All applications are considered; candidates who demonstrate the following qualities may receive feedback and be invited for interview:

01

A first-class track record

02

Clear motivation to join the team

03

Research goals of mutual interest

Postgraduate study

PhD positions

3 open PhD positions

Typically, two to three PhD students join our group each year. All available positions are advertised on this website, through our social media channels (X, LinkedIn and Bluesky) and on jobs.ac.uk.

PhD · Apply by 2 November 2026

Microbiology

Engineer living cells and combine them with light-harvesting semiconductor systems for semi-artificial photosynthesis.

View PhD project →

PhD · Apply by 2 November 2026

Chemical Engineering

Develop scalable continuous-flow solar reactors for the photoreforming of plastic waste into fuels and chemicals.

View PhD project →

PhD · Apply by 2 November 2026

Photocatalysis

Create integrated systems for atmospheric CO₂ capture and gas-phase solar conversion into fuels and chemicals.

View PhD project →

How to apply

Please get in touch early, ideally around September or October for an autumn start the following year. Applications should be sent by email and include:

  • A curriculum vitae
  • Academic transcripts
  • Your motivation for joining the team
  • Your specific research interests
  • Possible start dates and funding opportunities

Information about graduate studies at Cambridge and the formal application process is available on the Department of Chemistry website.

Important dates

Early September

The University of Cambridge Postgraduate Admissions Applicant Portal opens.

Early December

Application deadline for applicants seeking funding from the University or the Department of Chemistry.

Potential PhD and MPhil funding

View funding sources

Research fellowships

Postdoctoral positions

3 open postdoctoral positions

Funding is periodically available for postdoctoral researchers. Positions are advertised on this website, through our social media channels (X, LinkedIn and Bluesky) and on jobs.ac.uk. Applications for external fellowships are always considered.

Postdoc · Apply by 30 august 2026

Chemical Process Engineering

Full project details, eligibility requirements and application instructions are provided in the official advert.

View vacancy →

Postdoc · Apply by 30 august 2026

Microbiology

Full project details, eligibility requirements and application instructions are provided in the official advert.

View vacancy →

Postdoc · Apply by 30 august 2026

Gas-Phase Photocatalysis

Full project details, eligibility requirements and application instructions are provided in the official advert.

View vacancy →

What to send

  • A curriculum vitae
  • Your motivation for joining the team
  • Your research interests and goals
  • A list of three referees
  • Suitable funding schemes and their deadlines

When to contact us

Time is critical when preparing a fellowship application. Please contact Prof. Erwin Reisner as early as possible and include your preferred start date. This gives sufficient time to assess mutual research interests and develop a competitive proposal.

Potential postdoctoral funding

International and broadly accessible schemes
National and eligibility-restricted schemes

Research experience

Undergraduate positions

Typically two positions per year

Undergraduate researchers can join the group either as University of Cambridge Part III students or as visiting exchange students.

Cambridge students

Part III research

Final-year students can join the group for a Part III research project beginning in October.

Visiting students

Exchange research

Visiting exchange students should preferably be available from October to June or from March to September.