PhD position on Photoelectrochemical Systems for ‘Green’ Fuel and Chemical Synthesis

Centre for Synthesis & Chemical Biology, University College Dublin; Ireland; On-site; EUR 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in Ireland is seeking a Ph.D. student for a four-year project focusing on solar chemistry and the development of photoelectrochemical systems for green fuel synthesis. The successful applicant will receive a scholarship of €25,000 per annum along with tuition fee coverage. Candidates should have a first class Honours degree in a relevant scientific discipline and experience in relevant research areas is preferred.

Benefits

Scholarship stipend of €25,000 per annum

Tuition fees covered

Qualifications

• Expecting to gain a first class Honours degree or higher.
• Strongly encouraged to have experience in relevant fields.

Responsibilities

• Work on photoelectrochemical systems for green fuel and chemical synthesis.
• Design and develop optimized photoelectrode structures.
• Develop and test low-cost co-catalysts/electrocatalysts.

Skills

Experience in photocatalytic systems

Electrochemical/photoelectrochemical systems

Organic synthesis

Excellent communication skills

Education

First class Honours degree in Chemistry/Materials Science/Engineering or equivalent

Job description

Centre for Synthesis & Chemical Biology, University College Dublin

Organisation/Company Centre for Synthesis & Chemical Biology, University College Dublin Department School of Chemistry & Chemical Biology Research Field Chemistry » Solar chemistry Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country Ireland Application Deadline 28 Feb 2026 - 23:55 (Europe/Dublin) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Sep 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Achilleos Group in the School of Chemistry at University College Dublin (UCD) is seeking one Ph.D. student to work on photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems for ‘green’ fuel and chemical synthesis. This Ph.D. studentship is for a period of four years.

The accelerated consumption of fossil fuels and the emerging ecological concerns, due to the alarming concomitant rise in greenhouse gas emissions, emphasize the need for society to transition towards renewable ‘green’ resources. Artificial photosynthesis is a promising approach for mitigating simultaneously both the energy and environmental concerns and for tackling significant global challenges as derived from the UN Sustainable Development goals. This project aims to employ our know howin artificial photosynthetic systems 1-6 as a platform for the development of the next generation ofPEC systems so to serve sustainable, low-carbon societies.

Key aspects in developing such systems involve:

• the design/development of optimized photoelectrode structures with good solar light absorption capabilities;
• the use of low-cost/abundant substrates for the synthesis of value-added organics of industrial significance;
• the development/testing of low-cost co-catalysts/electrocatalysts to drive the formation of the desired “green” fuels.

Applications are welcome from students from Ireland/EU with, or expecting to gain, a first class Honours degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry/Materials Science/Engineering or other relevant scientific discipline. In particular, candidates with experience in photocatalytic, electrochemical/photoelectrochemical systems, and/or organic synthesis are strongly encouraged to apply. The successful candidate is expected to have excellent communication skills (oral and writing). This position will be filled once the suitable candidate has been identified so early applications are advised. Interviews will be held in person or via Zoom as appropriate.

One scholarship of stipend €25,000 per annum is available for up to 4 years for the successful applicant. Fees (EU Level) will be also covered. There will be a requirement to teach in undergraduate laboratories and tutorials as part of the scholarship.

Applications should include a cover letter, CV, detailed academic transcripts and the contact details for at least two academic referees, and should be sent by email to Dr. Demetra Achilleos ([e-mail]).

UCD supports equal opportunities and does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of gender, age, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, disability or membership of the traveller community.

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field Chemistry » Solar chemistry Education Level Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

First class Honours degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering or other relevant scientific discipline.