Postdoctoral Research Associate in Degradable Electronic Polymers

Corehr; Oxford; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Oxford invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop electronically functional, degradable polymers that indicate remaining lifetime through colour change. The role sits within the Chemistry Research Laboratory, working under Dr Georgina Gregory, for up to 2.5 years in a small, well‑equipped team.

Applicants should hold a PhD in polymer or related chemistry and have publication experience.

Qualifications

• PhD in polymer chemistry, materials chemistry or closely related field.
• Publication record appropriate to career stage.

Responsibilities

• Lead experimental work for the degradation‑responsive polymers project.
• Supervise an undergraduate project student when required.
• Communicate findings in writing and in person; contribute to group meetings.

Education

PhD in polymer chemistry, materials chemistry or closely related field

Tools

Conjugated polymer synthesis

Ring-opening polymerisation

Conductivity measurements

Spectroelectrochemistry

Thin film processing and device fabrication

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Degradable Electronic Polymers

Inorganic Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA

About the role

Interested in all things polymer? Chromic, Electronic, Degradable?

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to help develop polymers that are electronically functional, degradable, and that shift colour as they break down, so a device can report its own remaining lifetime before it stops working.

This post sits at the point where conjugated polymers meet classic cleavable polyester and carbonate chemistry. It is associated with the recently funded EPSRC New Investigator Award “Colour-Changing Electroactive Polymers: Degradation-Responsive Materials for Self-Reporting Electronics”. Based in the Department of Chemistry under the supervision of Dr Georgina Gregory, this post is fixed‑term for up to 2.5 years.

This is a new programme and you would be leading its experimental work in a small, well‑equipped group, with room to shape the chemistry and the freedom to follow what the results suggest.

Applicants must hold a PhD in polymer chemistry, materials chemistry or a closely related field, (or be close to submission), prior to taking up the appointment, with a publication record appropriate to your career stage.

Experience of conjugated polymer synthesis or ring‑opening polymerisation, conductivity measurements, spectroelectrochemistry, or thin film processing and device fabrication would all be an advantage.

The project spans synthesis, degradation and electronic and optical characterisation, and nobody arrives with all of it. You will enjoy learning, and take satisfaction in taking a polymer from synthetic design through to working material.

You will be able to work independently, and to work supportively and enthusiastically with others, communicating what you find in writing and in person. There will be the opportunity to supervise an undergraduate project student, and to take an interest and a share of responsibility in the equipment the group depends on.

The post will be based in the Chemistry Research Laboratory, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA.

Application Process

The closing date for applications is 12.00 midday, Wednesday 16 September 2026, UK time. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

The University of Oxford and The Department of Chemistry are Silver Athena SWAN holders. Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and ethnic minority candidates, who are under‑represented.

Salary (£) : £39,424 - £47,779 per annum (inclusive of Oxford University Weighting)