Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Sonochemical Reaction Engineering and Sono-Catalysis

Location: Begbroke Science Park, Begbroke, Oxfordshire OX5 1PF

We are seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Sonochemical Reaction Engineering and Sono-Catalysis to join Professor James Kwan’s Physical Acoustics Group at the Department of Engineering Science (Institute of Advanced Technology, Begbroke Science Park) and in collaboration with Professor Demrot O’Hare in the Department of Chemistry. The post is funded by the EPSRC SOUNDCHEM Programme Grant. It is a fixed term appointment for 24 months with the possibility to extend to 36 months.

You will be tasked to engage in experimentation and technology development to help advance our internationally-leading programme of research. Specifically, the desired candidate would have significant knowledge in sonochemistry, sonochemical reaction engineering, acoustics physics and hardware, and cavitation.

You should possess a degree in a relevant scientific discipline (or equivalent experience), experience and expertise in catalysis broadly, and analytical chemistry methods, with particular emphasis in the field of non-thermal chemistries is a positive. Additionally, we seek those with exceptional interpersonal skills (ability to work in a cross-disciplinary team and build collaborative relationships with external funding bodies and project partners), 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 Professor 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 Friday 18 September 2026 can be considered. You will be required to upload a CV, a supporting statement explaining how you meet the selection criteria, and details of two referees.

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

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