Post doc position on Photoelectrochemical Systems

Centre for Synthesis & Chemical Biology, University College Dublin; Ireland; On-site; EUR 47,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Centre for Synthesis & Chemical Biology, University College Dublin invites applications for a PhD graduate to work on photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems for green fuel and chemical synthesis. Salary range: €47,273 – €53,925 per annum; appointment dependent on qualifications and experience.

Initial one-year appointment with potential for extension up to three years. The project focuses on artificial photosynthesis, designing optimized photoelectrode structures, and developing low-cost

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or Chemical Engineering required.
• Expertise in photoelectrochemical systems and electrode characterization.
• Experience with synthesis and advanced structural/spectroscopic characterization of materials.
• Proven track record of high-impact publications and research activity.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop optimized photoelectrode structures with good solar absorption.
• Perform photoelectrochemical characterization.
• Characterize organic/substances using NMR, LC-MS, GC, etc.
• Maintain and develop methods/equipment for materials/organics characterization.
• Prepare presentations, reports, and proposals for ongoing project.

Skills

Photoelectrochemical systems

NMR/LC-MS characterization

Scientific writing/Publications

Project management

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or Chemical Engineering

Tools

NMR

LC-MS

GC

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 Engineering » Materials engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 31 Oct 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Dublin) Country Ireland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 4 Jan 2027 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

We are inviting applications for one excellent PhD graduate to work within a project on photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems for ‘green’ fuel and chemical synthesis. Salary range: €47,273 − €53,925 per annum (appointment on the above range will be dependent on qualifications and experience). The appointments will be initially for one year with the potential of extension up to three 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 how in artificial photosynthetic systems as a platform for the development of the next generation of PEC systems so to serve sustainable, low-carbon societies. Key aspects in developing such systems involve: (i) the design/development of optimized photoelectrode structures with good solar light absorption capabilities; (ii) the use of low-cost/abundant substrates for the synthesis of value-added organics of industrial significance; (iii) the development/testing of low-cost co-catalysts/electrocatalysts to drive the formation of the desired “green” fuels.

This project is suitable for a chemist, material scientist, physicist, and/or chemical engineer with expertise in electrochemical/photoelectrochemical systems.

This is a research focused role, where you will conduct a specified programme of research supported by researchtraining and development under the supervision and direction of a Principal Investigator.

The primary purpose of the role is to further develop your research skills and competences, including the processesof publication in peer-reviewed academic publications, the development of funding proposals, the mentorship ofgraduate students along with the opportunity to develop your skills in research led teaching.

In addition to the Principal Duties and Responsibilities listed below, the successful candidate will also carry outthe following duties specific to this project:

• Design/development of optimized photoelectrode structures with good solar light absorption capabilities.
• Photoelectrochemical characterization.
• Characterization of organic/gaseous substances (i.e., by NMR, LC-MS, GC, etc.).
• Assist the maintenance of equipment relevant to the research (i.e., GC, solar light systems) and develop methods for materials/organics characterization.
• Prepare presentations, reports and proposals for continuation and progression of the project.
• Collect quotations for purchasing new equipment.
• Attend relevant workshops and meetings as necessary.
• Comply with UCD policies, including financial regulations, safety policy, GDPR, EDI, confidentiality, Intellectual Property (IP) and Data management policies.
  Maintain accurate and complete records of all findings, and ensure that the data will be FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Re-usable).

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct a specified programme of research and scholarship under the supervision and direction of yourPrincipal Investigator.
• Engage in appropriate training and professional development opportunities as required by your PrincipalInvestigator, your School or Institute, or the University.
• Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research in which you are engaged as directed by andwith the support of and under the supervision of your Principal Investigator.
• Engage in the wider research and scholarly activities of your research group, School and Institute.
• Mentor and assist, as appropriate and as directed, the research graduate students in your group, Schooland Institute.
• Carry out administrative work associated with your programme of research.

Selection Criteria

Mandatory

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or Chemical Engineering.
• Expertise in photoelectrochemical systems (development of photoelectrodes and characterization).
• Evidence of experience in the synthesis and advanced structural/spectroscopic characterizationof materials, and characterization of organic substances (i.e., NMR, LC-MS).
• A demonstrated commitment to research and high-impact publications.
• An understanding of the operational requirements for a successful research project.
• Evidence of research activity (publications, conference presentations, awards) and future scholarly output(working papers, research proposals, and ability to outline a research project).
• Excellent Communication Skills (Oral, Written , Presentation etc).
• Excellent organisational, time management, and administrative skills including a proven ability to work to deadlines.
• Candidates must demonstrate an awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion agenda.