Fully Funded PhD in Electrochemical Systems: The Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge is offering a fully funded PhD studentship for the 2026/27 academic year under the supervision of Dr Raj Pandya. The program focuses on a cutting-edge research project, which is titled “Imaging Ultrafast Solvation in Electrochemical Systems.”
This PhD opportunity is ideal for students who want to work at the intersection of ultrafast spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and clean energy materials, with a strong emphasis on experimental science and hands-on instrumentation.
Why Pursue a PhD at the University of Cambridge?
Financial Support: This is a fully funded PhD studentship that offers good financial support throughout the program. Funding covers:
- Accomodation
- Tuition fees.
- Maintenance grant to help with the cost of living.
Mentorship and Collaboration: Selected students work under Dr Pandaya, and are exposed to close mentorship, excellent technical training and exposure to high-impact and interdisciplinary research.
Research Environment: The research will be conducted under the iCCD Lab, a highly innovative research environment in the field of advanced spectroscopy and imaging methods.
Mode of Study and Flexibility: The PhD student can study either on a full-time or part-time basis, with a little flexibility depending on different situations.
Program Description – Fully Funded PhD in Electrochemical Systems
The chosen PhD student will work closely under the supervision of Raj Pandya for 3.5 years. The project will focus primarily on building novel ultrafast (visible/infrared) laser setups in combination with electrochemical protocols to tease out elementary interfacial dynamics.
The successful applicant will be able to observe solvation dynamics at solid-liquid interfaces directly to gain insight into systems of interest to lithium-ion batteries. The study will provide insights with direct implications for clean energy technologies and the electrochemical devices functioning.
Qualification For PhD in Electrochemical Systems at the University of Cambridge
- Applicants have to be interested, technically motivated and enthusiastic about experimental research.
- The applicants must possess an honours degree (2.1 or above) in:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Mathematics
- Should be very interested in instrumental science and experimentation.
- Have interest in optics, spectroscopy and electrochemistry.
- The applicants must possess experience in either experimental laser spectroscopy/ultrafast optics, Imaging/instrumentation control and electrochemistry/energy materials research.
- The applicants should also meet the entrance requirements of the University.
Application Process For PhD in Electrochemical Systems
Applications should be provided by the University Applicant Portal. The university’s postgraduate admissions site will provide full details of the entrance requirements and the procedure of the application. It is possible to start your application by clicking here.
It is highly recommended that potential candidates should seek an informal enquiry to be made first before they apply. This would be a great moment to negotiate on the project, expectations, and alignment with your background.
About Dr Raj Pandya
Dr Raj Pandya is a chemistry faculty member who works in the field of ultrafast spectroscopy, interfaces, and state of the art optical methods.
His work is devoted to the creation of new experimental instruments to comprehend complicated chemical and physical processes on the most basic level.
Deadline and Contact Information
Application Deadline: The application deadline is December 2, 2025. Applications will, however, be taken up to the time when an apt candidate is discovered.
Interviews: Early January
Results of application: January – February.
To find out more information, click here or contact the supervisor