Posted 05 June, 2026
UCD Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1, UCD School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, Photoelectrochemical generation of green hydrogen coupled with the upcycling of waste plastics (H2PECUP)
University College Dublin
Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Full Time
Reference: 190328115
UCD Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1, UCD School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, Photoelectrochemical generation of green hydrogen coupled with the upcycling of waste plastics (H2PECUP)
Applications are invited for a temporary post of a UCD Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1 within UCD School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering
Renewable or green hydrogen, generated from the splitting of water, has significant potential to contribute to Ireland's climate targets. While the technology is well-known, it relies on expensive carbon/platinum electrocatalysts and is not competitive. Additionally, the simultaneous generation of oxygen during electrolysis consumes a considerable amount of the required energy, and if it accumulates in the cell with the hydrogen, an explosive reaction may occur. This complicates the commercialisation of water splitting, where safety measures and shutdown protocols are vital. In this project, an innovative solution is proposed, whereby the oxygen evolution reaction is replaced with the upcycling of plastic waste, removing oxygen gas from the cell. Light energy is employed to generate the electrons needed for the reduction of water to hydrogen, while the photogenerated holes are utilised in the oxidation reactions at the anode, thus enabling the upcycling of plastic waste. Accordingly, a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell is proposed that combines electrochemical and photochemical technologies run these chemical processes.
PD1 Salary: €47,273 - €53,925 per annum
Appointment on the above range will be dependent upon qualifications and experience.
Closing date: 12:00 noon (local Irish time) on 17.06.2026
Applications must be submitted by the closing date and time specified. Any applications which are still in progress at the closing time of 12:00 noon (Local Irish Time) on the specified closing date will be cancelled automatically by the system. UCD are unable to accept late applications.
UCD do not require assistance from Recruitment Agencies. Any CV's submitted by Recruitment Agencies will be returned.
The PD1 position is intended for early stage researchers, either just after completion of a PhD or for someone entering a new area for the first time. If you have already completed your PD1 stage in UCD or will soon complete a PD1, or you are an external applicant whose total Postdoctoral experience, inclusive of the duration of the advertised post, would exceed 4 years, you should not apply and should refer to PD2 posts instead.
Applications are invited for a temporary post of a UCD Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1 within UCD School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering
Renewable or green hydrogen, generated from the splitting of water, has significant potential to contribute to Ireland's climate targets. While the technology is well-known, it relies on expensive carbon/platinum electrocatalysts and is not competitive. Additionally, the simultaneous generation of oxygen during electrolysis consumes a considerable amount of the required energy, and if it accumulates in the cell with the hydrogen, an explosive reaction may occur. This complicates the commercialisation of water splitting, where safety measures and shutdown protocols are vital. In this project, an innovative solution is proposed, whereby the oxygen evolution reaction is replaced with the upcycling of plastic waste, removing oxygen gas from the cell. Light energy is employed to generate the electrons needed for the reduction of water to hydrogen, while the photogenerated holes are utilised in the oxidation reactions at the anode, thus enabling the upcycling of plastic waste. Accordingly, a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell is proposed that combines electrochemical and photochemical technologies run these chemical processes.
PD1 Salary: €47,273 - €53,925 per annum
Appointment on the above range will be dependent upon qualifications and experience.
Closing date: 12:00 noon (local Irish time) on 17.06.2026
Applications must be submitted by the closing date and time specified. Any applications which are still in progress at the closing time of 12:00 noon (Local Irish Time) on the specified closing date will be cancelled automatically by the system. UCD are unable to accept late applications.
UCD do not require assistance from Recruitment Agencies. Any CV's submitted by Recruitment Agencies will be returned.
The PD1 position is intended for early stage researchers, either just after completion of a PhD or for someone entering a new area for the first time. If you have already completed your PD1 stage in UCD or will soon complete a PD1, or you are an external applicant whose total Postdoctoral experience, inclusive of the duration of the advertised post, would exceed 4 years, you should not apply and should refer to PD2 posts instead.
