Postdoctoral Research Associate in Sonochemical Reaction Engineering - Power Ultrasound, Beamforming, and Cavitation Monitoring

Location: Department of Engineering Science, Physical Acoustics Lab, Begbroke Science Park, Begbroke, OX5 1PF

We are seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate in Sonochemical Reaction Engineering – Chemistry and Catalysis to join James Kwan’s Physical Acoustics Lab at the Department of Engineering Science (Begbroke Science Park).  The post is funded through the EPSRC’s Open Fellowship SonoNetZero and is a fixed-term position for two years.

Oxford is world-leading in the design of bespoke sonochemical reactors and the study of sonochemical reaction engineering. We excel at controlled experiments aimed at determining the driving forces for optimally efficient sonochemistry across different reactor scales. We are seeking a highly talented and motivated researcher to design, build, and characterize a novel scalable sonochemical reactor capable of nucleating cavitation in water, acoustic beamforming, and cavitation detection, imaging, and monitoring.

You will be responsible for engaging in reactor design, construction, development, and characterisation. You will also be expected to integrate a cavitation sensing system within the reactor to conduct passive cavitation mapping. Additionally, you will be expected to develop beamforming protocols for the reactor and assess the impact of acoustic beamforms on cavitation within the reactor. Ultimately, we seek to identify the acoustic and cavitation conditions that optimise acoustic and chemical efficiency towards CO2 reduction chemistry to help advance our internationally leading programme of research.

You should possess significant knowledge in physical acoustics in the ultrasonic regime, cavitation physics, the design and construction of high-powered ultrasound transducers and associated electronics, beamforming, and cavitation sensing, analysis, and imaging. Experience and expertise in sonochemistry and working with bespoke sonochemical reactors is a positive. Exceptional interpersonal skills (ability to work in a cross-disciplinary team and build collaborative relationships with external funding bodies), ability to independently plan and manage a research project, including a research budget, and act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques are highly desirable traits.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to James Kwan (email: james.kwan@eng.ox.ac.uk)

For more information about working at the Department, see www.eng.ox.ac.uk/about/work-with-us/

Only online applications received before midday on Monday 23 March 2026 can be considered. You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, including a brief statement of research interests (describing how past experience and future plans fit with the advertised position), CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

The Department holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting women in Science, Engineering and Technology.

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