General Summary of Position:
We are seeking a candidate for a temporary Postdoctoral Researcher working in rubber formulation development and processing, and additive manufacturing. The candidate should have expertise in mechanical, thermal, rheological, and morphological characterization of materials. Experience in design and 3D modelling, various slicer software for additive manufacturing, and MATLAB coding is required. The ideal candidate will have sound knowledge of elastomeric materials, their processing techniques and characterization techniques. The candidate should be thoroughly familiar with important characterization techniques such as SEM, AFM, FTIR, Optical Microscope, Confocal laser microscope, Contact angle measurements, Viscosity Measurements, Spectrometer, Rheology, Tensile testing. Experience in the area of various plastics processing techniques such as injection molding, single and multiple screw extrusion, and compression molding will be a plus. Other tasks will include guiding the research direction, seeking additional funding opportunities, proposal writing, budgeting, and project management. Documentation of research findings, meeting with other research staff, supervising graduate students, collaboration on and presentation of scientific papers, and industrial outreach/proposal generation. This position is contingent upon funding.
Working on Research Projects at the Nanomanufacturing Center: This will be done alongside and under the supervision of Dr. Joey Mead
This specifically involve:
- Grant and proposal writing
- Project management
- Conducting the required data-collection and analysis for center projects
- Ensuring all project-related activities are conducted on time and to the highest standard.
- Prepare status reports and deliverables in collaboration with and under the direction of the Principal Investigators.
- Serve as a liaison between Nanomanufacturing Center, and collaborating research partners
- Ensuring all deliverables are delivered on time and to the highest standard.
Attend Meetings related to the Nanomanufacturing Center and their research projects.
- Conduct weekly group meeting between PI, Post-Doc’s and students
- Meet with potential Industry collaborators.
Supervision of Graduate Student:
- Meet weekly with each student to review their research project, progress, papers and to develop path forward.
Undertake activities to develop your own research and the research of the Nanomanufacturing Center: The position will be expected to dedicate time to their own research and writing activity. It is expected that these activities will also support the wider development of the Nanomanufacturing Center, in accordance with the mission of the Center. Example activities include:
- Writing briefs and research publications
- Attending conferences and presenting results of research findings
- Developing and engaging in discussions of future directions of the Center’s research
Writing Proposals
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
This role will involve occasional domestic travel that may include overnight or day travel
PhD in the field of Plastics Engineering, Polymer Processing, Polymer Sciences, Polymer Engineering or related field.
The candidate must have excellent written and oral communication skills. Expertise in major plastics processing techniques
Experience: Rubber formulation development, rubber processing, and additive manufacturing. Prior experience in industry collaboration and working in interdisciplinary teams (Mechanical engineering, Nanofabrication etc.). Experience in plastic processing techniques will be a plus.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. However, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applicants is received.
This is a temporary, non-unit, non-benefited position.
Please include a resume, cover letter and Research Statement (optional) with your application. Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process.
The University of Massachusetts Lowell is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action, Title IX employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age over 40, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, or other protected class.
Please read this “EEO is the Law” poster (pdf), which provides an overview of many relevant equal opportunity laws.