Job Opportunities

A 3.5 year PhD studentship is available to join Dr Jenny Zhang's team at the Department of Chemistry on a project aimed at elucidating and manipulating the redox chemistries occuring in the extracellular space of microorganisms to enable novel biotechnologies that fight against antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections or for generating clean energy.

The student will employ a number of chemical biology and biophysical approaches (including (bio)electrochemistry, microscopy, NMR spectrocopy) to probe into the extracellular space, and simple synthetic chemistries (both molecular and sol-gel based) to manipulate it. The student will also be expected to work in multi-disciplinary teams; they may work closely with chemists, biologists, physicists and engineers to deliver final proof-of-concept systems.

Applicants must have (or expect to obtain) at least the equivalent of a UK upper second-class Master's degree in chemistry, physics or other relevant field. Experience in surface chemistry, synthesis, NMR and good communication skills are desirable. The candidate will gain a wide range of technical experience relevant to biotechnology development, as well as personal development and leadership skills.

To apply, please submit an application through the University Applicant Portal: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/pcchpdpch for the course "PhD in Chemistry", naming Dr Jenny Zhang as potential supervisor.

For queries relating to your application or the application process, please contact Jenny Zhang via email on jz366@cam.ac.uk.

Please quote reference MA43716 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.