The University of Cambridge is inviting applications for a two-year Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in Chemical Process Engineering, offering an opportunity for an experienced researcher to contribute to the development of sustainable technologies for converting plastic waste into valuable fuels and chemicals. The fixed-term position is based in the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry and will be supervised by Professor Erwin Reisner. The successful researcher will join the Reisner Laboratory, which develops innovative approaches for converting solar energy and renewable electricity into sustainable fuels and organic platform chemicals that support the transition towards a circular economy. Applications for the position close on 30 August 2026. Postdoctoral Research Project The appointed Postdoctoral Research Associate will focus on developing a large-scale photoreforming process that uses solar energy to upcycle plastic waste into fuels and valuable chemical products. The researcher will play a central role in scaling the technology from laboratory research towards a commercially relevant demonstration. In particular, the PDRA will oversee the assembly of a continuous-flow process platform capable of demonstrating the feasibility of the solar chemical technology at approximately kilogram plastic and square-metre scale under real sunlight irradiation. The project combines chemical engineering, solar technology, photocatalysis and waste recycling, making it suitable for researchers interested in sustainable chemical processes and circular-economy technologies. Key Responsibilities The successful candidate will be expected to: Develop practical-scale continuous-flow solar reactors. Consider chemical engineering parameters when designing reactor systems. Oversee the assembly of a continuous-flow photoreforming platform. Demonstrate the technology at kilogram-scale plastic processing. Support testing at metre-square scale under real sunlight. Collaborate with researchers specialising in high-performance photocatalyst synthesis. Apply chemical and process engineering expertise to solar photoreforming. Contribute to research publications in leading academic journals. Help generate novel intellectual property supporting the commercial development of the technology. The position will complement the existing expertise within the Reisner Laboratory and involve close collaboration across different scientific and engineering disciplines. Research Environment The Reisner Laboratory at Cambridge works on technologies designed to convert renewable energy into sustainable fuels and chemicals. Its research combines materials science, chemistry, engineering and related disciplines to address challenges associated with sustainable energy and resource use. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will therefore work in a highly collaborative research environment, with opportunities to contribute to research that has both academic and potential commercial applications. The project is funded through Professor Reisner’s Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Emerging Technologies. Eligibility and Academic Requirements Applicants should have, or be close to receiving, a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering or a closely related discipline. A strong background in chemical reaction engineering and chemical reactor operations is essential. Additional experience in the following areas would be advantageous: Waste recycling. Solar technologies. Hydrogen technology. Continuous-flow processing. Chemical process engineering. Solar chemical technologies. The University is seeking candidates with a strong publication record and evidence of outstanding academic and professional performance. Applicants should also demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary research environment and contribute to collaborative scientific projects. Salary and Position Details The University of Cambridge lists salary ranges of £34,610–£35,608 and £37,694–£46,049, depending on the applicable grade and experience. Key vacancy information includes: Position: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Chemical Process Engineering Institution: University of Cambridge Department: Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom Contract: Fixed-term Initial duration: Two years Salary: £34,610–£35,608 / £37,694–£46,049 Reference: MA50433 Category: Research Date published: 17 July 2026 Closing date: 30 August 2026 Application Requirements Candidates are required to apply online through the University of Cambridge recruitment system. Applicants who do not already have an account will need to register before submitting an application. The application should include: Curriculum Vitae (CV). Covering letter. Publications list. Applicants are advised not to upload additional documents that have not been requested, as the University states that such documents will not be considered. Candidates should quote reference MA50433 in their application and in correspondence regarding the vacancy. For application-related queries, candidates can contact the recruitment team at pa-reisner@ch.cam.ac.uk. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion The Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award and the University of Cambridge states that it actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion. The department particularly welcomes applications from women and/or candidates from a BME background, who are currently under-represented at this level within the department. The University also notes that employees must be eligible to live and work in the United Kingdom. How to Apply Researchers with relevant qualifications and experience in chemical or process engineering are encouraged to review the vacancy requirements and submit their applications before the 30 August 2026 deadline. The opportunity is particularly relevant to postdoctoral researchers seeking to work on solar energy, plastic waste recycling, continuous-flow reactors, photoreforming, sustainable fuels and circular-economy technologies. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.