Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Micromechanical Modelling of Thermoplastic Elastomers

We are seeking a full-time Post-Doctoral Research Associate to join the
Brassart research group at the Department of Engineering Science (central
Oxford). The post is funded by EPSRC, for a duration of 24 months.



The project aim’s to develop new constitutive models to describe the
mechanical behaviour of Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs). These polymers are
increasingly being developed as a sustainable alternative to conventional
rubbers, thanks to their re-processability, recyclability, and design
flexibility. A micromechanical approach will be adopted to link key
microstructure parameters (hard phase content, length of the soft segments) to
the macroscopic properties. This project is supported by the Sustainable
Chemicals & Materials Manufacturing (SCHEMA) Hub, funded by EPSRC, which
gathers researchers from across the UK along with industry partners to tackle
grand challenges related to sustainable polymer manufacturing.



You will be responsible for the theoretical developments underpinning the
model, its numerical implementation in a finite element code, and its
validation against experimental data in collaboration with experimental
collaborators. You will also engage with the hub activities, and liaise with
academic and industry partners within the SCHEMA hub to develop new
collaborations.





You should possess a strong background and established expertise in Solid
Mechanics, including nonlinear aspects. Previous experience in developing
advanced constitutive models, particularly for rubber-like materials, is
desirable.



Informal inquiries may be addressed to Laurence Brassart (email:
laurence.brassart@eng.ox.ac.uk) For more information about working at the
Department, see www.eng.ox.ac.uk/about/work-with-us/ Only online applications
received before midday on 31st May can be considered.





You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement,
including a brief statement of research interests (describing how past
experience and future plans fit with the advertised position), CV and the
details of two referees as part of your online application.





The Department holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment
to promoting women in Science, Engineering and Technology.





Polymer; Solid Mechanics; Mechanics of Materials; Computational Mechanics;
Statistical Mechanics