Postdoctoral Research Associate in Polymer Chemistry

**About the role**





Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Sustainable
Polymer Chemistry 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) and focusses on the
development of sustainable oligomers and polymers for use in a range of
applications, including consumer products, formulations and as
additives/impact modifiers. 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,
recyclable and, for applications requiring it, fully degradable. Target
polymers include materials comprising ester, carbonate and ether linkages in
the backbone. 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, regio/stereochemistry, and
repeat unit sequence.





We seek a candidate motivated to work as part of our diverse, multi-
disciplinary hub research team and interesting to engage with the end-users
and technology partners. 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 or Polymer Chemistry or
a related area, ( **or be close to completion** ) prior to taking up the
appointment. The research requires expertise in polymerization catalysis,
polymer synthesis (for the preparation of oxygenated polymers including
polyesters/carbonates/ethers). As a member of the SCHEMA hub, you will be
expected to manage your own academic research and administrative activities,
including 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, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA 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.