Postdoctoral Research Associate in Polymerization and Depolymerization Catalysis

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

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Polymerization and Depolymerization Catalysis to work under the supervision of Professor Charlotte K. Williams funded by the EPSRC UK Catalysis Hub.

The research focusses on the discovery and development of homogeneous polymerization and depolymerization catalysts. Polymerization catalysis will be investigated using epoxides, carbon dioxide, cyclic anhydrides and cyclic esters/carbonates. The synthesis of polymerization catalysts will require expertise in inorganic and organometallic chemistry since heterometallic complexes are targeted. Polymerization catalysis kinetics will be investigated using specialist reactors, in situ spectroscopy, conventional aliquot analysis, calorimetry methods and other methods. In addition, the isolation of key catalytic intermediates and investigation of their reactivity will be targeted. In the area of depolymerization catalysis, research focusses on the transformation of polycarbonates and polyesters back to their monomers, including epoxides, carbon dioxide, cyclic anhydrides and cyclic esters/carbonates. Depolymerization kinetics will be investigated using a range of methods, including thermal gravimetric analysis, spectroscopy and polymer characterization techniques. The objective is to understand the key parameters influencing catalytic rates so as to design more effective polymerization and depolymerization catalysts.

Find out more about the Williams group research at: Home - Charlotte Williams Research (ox.ac.uk).

Selected References:

• J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2025, 147, 46, 43077–4308; Chemical Recycling of Polyesters and Polycarbonates: Why Is Zinc(II) Such an Effective Depolymerization Catalyst? | Journal of the American Chemical Society
• Nat. Chem. 2026, 18, 931–938; Understanding low-pressure CO2 insertion chemistry in epoxide–CO2 copolymerization catalysis | Nature Chemistry     

Applicants should have a PhD (or close to obtaining) in Chemistry with experience of inorganic or organometallic chemistry relevant to homogeneous catalysis. You must be experience in the techniques necessary to make and handle air-sensitive compounds, including use of Schlenk lines and glove boxes. You must have experience of common inorganic complex characterization techniques, including NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and X-ray diffraction methods. Experience of polymerization catalysis and/or methods and techniques relevant to the measurement of kinetics would be desirable. You will be expected to manage all the day-to-day aspects of your academic research and its administration. You will also be expected to join the early career forum of the UK Catalysis Hub and to join training and conferences organized by the Hub.

The post will be based in the Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory and is available from 1 November 2026 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, 23 July 2026. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter. 

Department of Chemistry is a Silver Athena Swan award holder.  Applications are particularly welcome from under-represented groups in Chemistry.

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