Job Description

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 years in the first instance.


Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position to join the group of Professor Shijing Sun in the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy at the University of Cambridge.


We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our team in establishing a new laboratory dedicated to the robotic synthesis of energy materials. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape a cutting-edge research environment at the interface of chemistry, materials science, automation, and artificial intelligence.


The successful candidate will take a leading role in setting up the laboratory infrastructure, including advanced robotic platforms and instrumentation for automated chemical synthesis. They will establish protocols, oversee equipment calibration, and produce workflow documentation to ensure reliable and reproducible operation of the new facility. Beyond the initial set-up, they will drive the development of high-throughput solution-based synthesis protocols for inorganic and hybrid materials. This is a highly collaborative position with opportunities to present research outcomes at international conferences, publish in leading journals, and work closely with academic and industrial partners. The postholder will also mentor postgraduate students, playing an important role in building a dynamic, supportive, and collaborative laboratory culture.


Candidates must hold a PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline, with a strong publication record. They should bring expertise in materials chemistry, experience with laboratory automation, particularly liquid-handling robots and inline optical characterisation, and familiarity with wet laboratory safety management.


It would be advantageous for applicants to have experience in the synthesis and characterisation of halide perovskites or metalorganic frameworks, as well as in situ characterisation and its integration into autonomous platforms. Knowledge of scientific machine learning and its application to experimental workflows would also be highly desirable.


We are looking for a candidate who combines technical excellence with strong communication skills and a proactive, hands-on approach to problem-solving. If you are excited by the prospect of helping to build a new laboratory from the ground up and advancing the frontier of autonomous materials discovery, we would be delighted to hear from you.



We reserve the right to fill the position with a qualified candidate prior to the conclusion of the advertising period.


Documents in support of applications should include a CV and a research statement.


Enquiries regarding the application process may be directed to Ana Talaban-Bailey: ajt69@cam.ac.uk


Please quote reference LJ47187 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.


The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Key information

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Department/location

Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy

Salary

33,002-35,608 37,694-46,049

Reference

LJ47187

Category

Research

Date published

5 September 2025

Closing date

21 September 2025