Postdoctoral Research Associate in Polymer Chemistry

Location: Chemistry Research Laboratory, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA 

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 (Home | Sustainable Chemicals and Materials Manufacturing 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. 

About you 

Applicants should hold a PhD in Polymer Chemistry (or be close to completion) with some experience of polymerization catalysis prior to taking up the post. 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 the Williams polymer characterization laboratories and equipment, including GPCs, DMA, rheometer, TGA, DSC, UTA, impact pendulums, compression moulder, injection molder and compounder. You will join a dynamic team of other experts working in polymerization catalysis and polymer chemistry within the Williams research group. 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. As a member of the SCHEMA Hub community, you will benefit from a range of specialist training and mentoring, as well as through collaborations with researchers at other UK universities and companies. 

The post will be based in the Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory and is available from 5 January 2026.

Application Process

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, Monday 5 January 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 in Chemistry research posts in Oxford.

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