Postdoctoral Research Associate in Sustainable Thermoplastics and Elastomers (Sustainable Chemicals and Materials Manufacturing Hub)

**About the role**





Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Sustainable
Polymer Thermoplastics and Elastomers to work with Professor Charlotte
Williams for a period of up to 24 months. The post is supported by the EPSRC
through the Sustainable Chemicals and Materials Manufacturing Hub (SCHEMA).





This research project addresses the development of sustainable block polymer
thermoplastics and elastomers for eventual use in sectors including
transportation, electronics, and resins. These materials will be prepared from
renewable monomers, including carbon dioxide, cyclic esters (lactones) and
carbonates, epoxides, and anhydrides. These polymers are designed to be
functional and maintain high performance over several “recycle-re-use” loops
through mechanical recycling. Target polymers include materials comprising
polyester and polycarbonate blocks, and take advantage of toughening
mechanisms such as strain-induced crystallization and ionomer networks. The
use of precision polymer synthesis methods will allow for the evaluation of
structure-property relationships, influenced by various factors including
polymer molar mass, architecture, and block composition.



The research will involve the application of controlled heterocycle ring
opening polymerisations and epoxide/carbon dioxide/anhydride ring-opening
copolymerisation to prepare new block polymers. The goal is to develop
renewably sourced and recyclable block polymers with characteristics of high-
performance thermoplastics and elastomers.





We seek a candidate interested to join our diverse, multi-disciplinary
research team and motivated to work together to solve these important
environmental challenges. We particularly encourage applications from
candidates who are from under-represented groups, including women and
candidates from black and ethnic minority communities. Our research team is
diverse and inclusive.





_Find out more about the Williams research and group at:williams group_





_Find out more about the Sustainable Chemicals and Materials Manufacturing Hub
(SCHEMA) at:_ Sustainable Chemicals and Materials Manufacturing Hub
(schemahub.ac.uk)





**About you**





Applicants must hold a PhD in Polymerisation Catalysis, Polymer Chemistry or a
related area, ( **or be close to completion** ) prior to taking up the
appointment. The research requires experience in polymer synthesis, preferably
relevant to the preparation of oxygenated polymers (polyesters/carbonates and
have training in the synthesis of polymers using anaerobic techniques and
methods. You will be expected to manage your own academic research and
administrative activities. This involves small scale project management, to
co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines.





As part of the SCHEMA Hub, you will have the opportunity to integrate and work
broadly alongside the Hub’s academic and industrial partners, including other
postdoctoral researchers and industrial scientists. We will support your
career development and provide opportunities for professional development and
training in the role.





The post will be based in the Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research
Laboratory and is available from 6 January 2025.





**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 application. In your
supporting statement **(maximum 2 pages)** , please explain how you meet each
of the selection criteria found in the job description.





**Certificates, references and research papers should not be provided at this
stage.**





The closing date for applications is 12.00 midday, 2 December 2024, UK time.
Interviews will be held on 11 December 2024.





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.





Best practice in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion has been core to the design
of the SCHEMA Hub and we seek to create a model and culture for inclusive
world-leading research regardless of sector.