We invite applications for a PhD studentship to work on bio-inspired energy conversion, in particular solar hydrogen production and carbon dioxide reduction. The inexpensive capture and storage of the energy in abundant sunlight in the form of a renewable fuel is of major scientific and economic interest to replace fossil fuels. The student will work in a collaborative and multi-disciplinary research environment ranging from synthetic molecular and materials chemistry, spectroscopy and electrochemistry to enzyme chemistry. This work is part of an international research project involving scientists in the UK, Europe and USA. Further information about the work of the Reisner group is available at: http://www-reisner.ch.cam.ac.uk/

Applicants should have (or expect to obtain) at least the equivalent of a UK II.1 honours degree (and preferably a Masters) in a relevant scientific discipline. The studentship will provide a maintenance grant and tuition fees at the Home/EU rate.  Non-EU nationals will be considered if they already have in place funds to cover the differential for overseas fees.

The studentship is available from October 2012, though a start in April 2012 may also be possible.  Applications should include a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, contact details for two professional referees, and should be sent (preferably by email) to Dr Erwin Reisner, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW. (email: reisner(a)ch.cam.ac.uk).