Postdoctoral Research Associate -Polymer Chemist

Requisition Id 13242 

Overview:   

We are seeking two Postdoctoral Research Associates. One will focus on the synthesis and characterization of dynamic polymers to elucidate their non-equilibrium states, and another will focus on polymer upcycling especially deconstruction of various commercial step-growth polymers. This position resides in the Soft Materials and Membranes group in the Separation and Polymer Chemistry section, Chemical Sciences Division, Physical Sciences Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  

 

As part of our team, the postdoc will synthesize novel dynamic polymers and conduct in-depth characterization especially using rheometer combined with Raman and dielectric spectroscopy as well as small-angle neutron scattering. The project is highly collaborative and the candidate will work with other polymer scientists, rheologists, computational chemists, as well as neutron scattering experts. In polymer upcycling project, the postdoc will conduct deconstruction of various commercial products of step-growth polymers by working with an industry collaborator as well as investigate fundamental science of polymer deconstruction and upcycling. The postdocs are expected to be involved with other polymer science projects such as the development of polymer composites, adhesives, building materials, and polymer electrolytes for energy storage and conversion.

 

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. With a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people, ORNL’s decadal vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Synthesis of novel dynamic polymers
• Rheological characterization of dynamic polymers to understand their non-equilibrium states
• Mechanical and thermal characterization of dynamic polymers
• Deconstruction of commercial step-growth polymers, and evaluation of their kinetics and separation
• Upcycling of various polymers
• Responsible for presenting and reporting research results and publishing scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements
• Maintain strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

 

Basic Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Polymer Science and Engineering, Polymer Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering or closely related fields completed in the last 5 years
• Expertise in polymer synthesis and characterization methods

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge and expertise in rheology of polymers
• Knowledge and expertise in Raman spectroscopy
• Knowledge and expertise in mechanical and viscoelastic characterization of polymers
• Knowledge and expertise in well-defined polymers and controlled functionalization including dynamic functional groups
• Knowledge and expertise in multi-step organic synthesis
• Knowledge and expertise in polymer circularity
• Knowledge and expertise in reactor engineering
• Knowledge and expertise in LCA and TEA
• Knowledge and expertise in polymer processing and manufa