Postdoctoral Research Associate in Polymer Chemistry

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious research university is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Polymer Chemistry. The candidate will engage in innovative research on new plastics and elastomers from renewable resources, utilizing advanced polymer characterization techniques. This 24-month position under Professor Charlotte Williams offers unique training and mentorship in polymerisation catalysis and materials testing.

Benefits

Mentorship from experts

Access to advanced laboratories

Qualifications

• PhD in Polymer Chemistry or close to completion.
• Experience of polymerisation catalysis prior to taking up the post.
• Expertise in using anaerobic techniques like Schlenk lines and glove boxes.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day aspects of academic research and its administration.
• Conduct research on new plastics and thermoplastic elastomers.
• Characterise materials using thermal, mechanical, and rheological methods.

Skills

Polymerisation catalysis

Anaerobic techniques

Polymer characterisation techniques

Ring-opening polymerisation

Education

PhD in Polymer Chemistry

Tools

GPC

DMA

Rheometer

TGA

DSC

Job description

Overview

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Polymer Chemistry to work under the supervision of Professor Charlotte Williams for 24 months. The post is supported by the EPSRC SCHEMA Hub. The research targets the preparation and properties of new plastics, thermoplastic elastomers and adhesives prepared from renewable resources and which are recyclable or degradable. Materials will be prepared by polymerising monomers like epoxides, carbon dioxide, anhydrides and cyclic esters/carbonates to produce new block polymers. The characterization of the resulting materials will be undertaken using thermal, mechanical and rheological methods, as well as using spectroscopy and GPC methods. Materials will be tested in applications and end‑life recycling, including by depolymerization will be explored. The research is part of a large‑scale, multi‑disciplinary hub and, as such, the candidate will benefit from regular conferences, symposia, mentoring and industry partnership afforded by the hub.

Responsibilities

• Manage day‑to‑day aspects of academic research and its administration.
• Conduct research on new plastics, thermoplastic elastomers and adhesives from renewable resources.
• Prepare monomers and polymerise using epoxides, carbon dioxide, anhydrides and cyclic esters/carbonates.
• Characterise resulting materials using thermal, mechanical, rheological methods, spectroscopy and GPC.
• Test materials in applications and end‑life recycling, including depolymerisation.
• Receive training in specific ring‑opening polymerisation catalyses applied in the project.
• Utilise Williams polymer characterisation laboratories and equipment including GPC, DMA, rheometer, TGA, DSC, UTA, impact pendulums, compression moulder, injection moulder and compounder.
• Join a dynamic team of experts working in polymerisation catalysis and polymer chemistry within the Williams research group.
• Receive support and mentorship from Prof. Williams in achieving career goals and in teaching and mentoring of masters and post‑graduate students.

Qualifications

• PhD in Polymer Chemistry (or close to completion).
• Experience of polymerisation catalysis prior to taking up the post.
• Expertise in using anaerobic techniques, including Schlenk lines and glove boxes, to make polymers.
• Experience of polymer characterisation techniques, including spectroscopy, GPC, DSC, TGA and tensile mechanical measurements.
• Experience with ring‑opening polymerisation beneficial.