Postdoctoral Research Associate in Polymer Chemistry

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 Prof. Williams’ EPSRC Established Career Fellowship. The research targets the preparation and properties of new plastics, thermoplastic elastomers and adhesives prepared from renewable resources and which are recyclable or degradable. It will involve 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 including as engineering plastics, thermoplastic elastomers and pressure sensitive adhesives.  

Find out more about the Williams group research here. 

Applicants must hold a PhD in Polymer Chemistry with some experience of polymerization catalysis (or be close to completion), prior to taking up the appointment. They should have expertise in using anaerobic techniques, including Schlenk lines and glove boxes, to make polymers. Experience of polymer characterization techniques, including spectroscopy, GPC, DSC, TGA and tensile mechanical measurements are required.  The post-holder will be expected to manage day-to-day aspects of their own academic research and its administration. Training will be provided in the specific ring-opening polymerization catalyses applied in the project, although prior experience of some of these would be an advantage.

Your research will be supported by being able to access a suite of new polymer characterization equipment in recently renovated laboratories (Williams research group infrastructure is supported by £1M investment from iCAST and Henry Royce Institute), including GPCs, DMA, rheometer, TGA, DSC, UTA, impact pendulums, compression moulder, injection moulder and compounder. You will join a dynamic team of other experts working in polymerization catalysis and polymer chemistry.  You will be supported and mentored, by Prof. Williams, in achieving your career goals and in teaching and mentoring of masters and post-graduate students.

The post will be based in the Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory and is available from 1 September 2023 for 2 years.

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application. Certificates, references and research papers should not be provided at this stage.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 midday, Tuesday, 13th June 2023. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter. 

The University of Oxford and the Department of Chemistry are Silver Athena Swan award holders.  Applications are particularly welcome from under-represented groups in Chemistry.

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