PhD Studentship: Intelligent Molecular & Process Design for Advanced CO2 Electrochemical Sorbents (IMPACT) University College London in United Kingdom

The Department of Chemical Engineering at University College London (UCL) is offering a fully funded 4-year PhD studentship in Process Systems Engineering, focusing on the intelligent molecular and process design for advanced CO2 electrochemical sorbents. This project, titled IMPACT, aims to accelerate the discovery of novel sorbents for electrochemical CO2 capture using artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Electrochemical CO2 capture is a promising alternative to conventional carbon capture technologies, offering energy-efficient, flexible, and sustainable separation processes. The success of these technologies depends on the development of high-performance sorbents with strong CO2 affinity and efficient electrochemical regeneration. The PhD student will develop next-generation computational tools to identify and design such materials, working at the intersection of chemical engineering, molecular design, machine learning, and sustainability.

The research will focus on redox-active organic materials and amine-based absorbents, aiming to build an AI molecular design framework grounded in physical and chemical principles. The student will analyze existing datasets, develop physics-informed and data-efficient machine learning models, and create generative design and screening tools to identify new candidate molecules within realistic chemical, electrochemical, and process constraints.

This studentship offers interdisciplinary training, access to global experts, and cutting-edge research facilities, with strong connections to the Sargent Centre and industrial partners. The successful candidate will investigate scientific and engineering challenges in sorbent design, contribute to a rapidly developing field, and help advance sustainable material and process design for carbon capture.

Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, at least a 2:1 degree at MEng, MSc, or equivalent level in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a closely related discipline. Experience in machine learning, numerical optimisation, or process systems engineering is advantageous. Familiarity with electrochemical CO2 capture, redox-active materials, or amine-based absorbents is beneficial but not required. Overseas applicants must demonstrate their ability to cover the difference between home and overseas tuition fees.

Funding covers UK-equivalent tuition fees and a stipend of approximately £22,780 per annum for 4 years. The start date is May 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. Applications should be submitted via the UCL application portal, nominating Dr Lauren Lee as supervisor and including a statement of interest. For informal enquiries, contact Dr Lauren Lee at [email protected]. Further information about the MPhil/PhD course and recruitment process is available on the UCL Chemical Engineering website.

Deadline for applications is April 13, 2026.