Postdoctoral Researcher - Polymer Biodegradation and Performance Polymer Modeling

University of Cincinnati; Cincinnati (OH); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition remission

Comprehensive health coverage

Retirement plans (OPERS/STRS/ARP)

Vacation and sick time

11 paid holidays

Job summary

The University of Cincinnati, through the P&G Digital Accelerator@UC, invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher focused on computational modeling of polymer biodegradation and performance polymer behavior. The researcher will be employed by the University of Cincinnati and collaborate closely with P&G and UC technical teams.

Addressing high‑impact sustainability and performance challenges using applied computational modeling.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemical engineering, chemistry, physics, materials science, or related field with specialization in computational chemistry or molecular modeling.
• Strong background in molecular dynamics, free energy calculations, and enhanced sampling techniques.
• Experience with at least one programming language.

Responsibilities

• Develop computational models to predict polymer biodegradation pathways, rates, and intermediates.
• Build structure–property and mechanistic models linking polymer chemistry to biodegradation and performance.
• Apply molecular modeling, thermodynamics, and kinetics to understand polymer–solvent and polymer–enzyme interactions.
• Integrate experimental, literature, and computational data into technical recommendations for polymer design and sustainability.

Skills

Molecular Dynamics

Free Energy Calculations

Enhanced Sampling Techniques

Programming

Education

Ph.D.

Job description

Next Lives at the University of Cincinnati

Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation’s best urban public research universities. Home to more than 53,600 students, 12,000 faculty and staff, and over 360,000 living alumni, UC, a Carnegie 1 institution, combines research prowess with a physical setting The New York Times has called "the most ambitious campus design program in the country." UC's momentum has never been stronger as the anchor of the Cincinnati Innovation District, the oldest cooperative education (co-op) program in the country with students earning $94 million annually through paid experiences, an academic health system, and as a member of the Big 12 Conference. The university contributes $10.6 billion in economic impact to the city and $22.7 billion to the state of Ohio. At UC, next is all of us. Learn more at uc.edu.

UC is a mission-driven organization where we are committed to student success and positively transforming the community through scholarship and service. We thrive on innovation, making an impact, and fostering an environment where staff and faculty are key contributors to UC’s success.

Job Overview

The University of Cincinnati, through the P&G Digital Accelerator@UC, invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher focused on computational modeling of polymer biodegradation and performance polymer behavior. The role supports P&G projects at the interface of polymer science, biodegradation, modeling, and consumer product innovation. The researcher will be employed by the University of Cincinnati and collaborate closely with P&G and UC technical teams. This position provides Opportunities to address high-impact P&G sustainability and performance polymer challenges using applied computational modeling. This position provides Access to industrially relevant problems, experimental collaborators, and cross‑functional technical teams. This position’s primary work location will be at the P&G Digital Accelerator@UC in the 1819 Innovation Hub, with flexibility to visit P&G facilities as needed.

Essential Functions

• Develop computational models to predict polymer biodegradation pathways, rates, and intermediates.
• Build structure–property and mechanistic models linking polymer chemistry, morphology, solvation, formulation context, and exposure conditions to biodegradation and performance outcomes.
• Apply molecular modeling, thermodynamics, free energy methods, reaction kinetics, statistical modeling, or related approaches to understand polymer–solvent, polymer–matrix, and polymer–enzyme interactions.
• Integrate experimental, literature, and computational data into clear technical recommendations for polymer design, sustainability assessment, and product performance.

Minimum Requirements

A Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or related field with a specialization in computational chemistry, molecular modeling, and statistical mechanics is required.

Required Experience

A deep understanding of Molecular Dynamics, Free Energy Calculations, and Enhanced Sampling Techniques and experience with at least one programming language.

Additional Qualifications Considered

• Strong computational chemistry experience
• Strong chemical intuition
• Interest in developing mechanistic understandings and models for polymer systems.
• Experience or interest in addressing scientific problems through analogy.

Compensation And Benefits

UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work‑life balance. (UC Benefits) Eligibility may vary by position and FTE status. Highlights include:

Comprehensive Tuition Remission

UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.

Robust Retirement Plans

As a UC employee, you won’t contribute to Social Security (except Medicare). Instead, you’ll choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14–18% of your salary based on position.

Real Work‑Life Balance

• Vacation and sick time
• 11 paid holidays and additional end‑of‑year paid time off (Winter Season Days)
• 6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents

Additional Benefits Include

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription)
• Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs
• Professional development & mentorship opportunities

UC is an E-Verify employer. If hired into this position, you will be required to provide satisfactory proof of employment eligibility by providing acceptable, original forms of identification for employment verification via the Federal I-9 employment verification process.

Equal Opportunity Employer. Building a workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, including Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans.