Postdoctoral Research Associate in Chemical Process Engineering

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Chemical Process Engineering

University of Cambridge - Department of Chemistry

Cambridge, United Kingdom

GBP 34,610 - 46,049 per year

The Reisner Laboratory develops innovations and technologies to convert solar energy and renewable electricity into sustainable fuels and organic platform chemicals for a circular economy using a unique cross-disciplinary approach and collaborations are strongly encouraged.

The PDRA will develop a large-scale process for photoreforming chemistry, which uses solar energy to upcycle plastic waste into fuels and valuable chemicals. The PDRA will oversee the assembly of the continuous flow process platform to demonstrate the commercial feasibility of this solar chemical technology at a kg plastic and metre square scale under real sunlight irradiation.

The PDRA will design practical-scale continuous-flow solar reactors, considering various chemical engineering parameters, and will work together with a material expert in high-performance photocatalyst synthesis in a highly collaborative setting. The PDRA will thus complement existing expertise in the Reisner laboratory and bring a strong skill set and expertise especially in chemical and process engineering. The outcome of this project is expected to be published in top tier academic journals and generate novel IP to support the commercial aspirations of this project.

The PDRA should have (or be about to receive) a PhD in Chemical or Process Engineering or a closely related discipline. A strong background in chemical reaction engineering and chemical reactor operations would be essential. Additionally, experience in waste recycling, solar technologies, H2 technology, and/or continuous-flow processing would be desirable for the position. The candidate should also have a strong publication track record and have demonstrated outstanding performance throughout their studies and engineering career.