The ability to synthetically tailor the molecular structure and chemical architecture of functional materials provides an opportunity to meet many Air Force application needs. Agile synthetic platforms are desirable for research tasks related to organic sensors, adhesives, and stimuli-responsive materials. Furthermore, incorporation of these systems into flexible devices remains vital to their long term success on the battlefield. Research efforts will leverage AFRL expertise and capabilities in materials science, chemistry, engineering, and biochemistry to target human performance monitoring, wearable devices, and responsive structures. Specific areas of interest include polymer synthesis, surface functionalization and on-demand actuation for the generation of dynamic materials. Candidates will have the opportunity to partner with experimental and computational scientists with the hopes of gaining a deeper understanding of material properties and identifying soft matter materials applications that assist the Air Force. Specific areas of interest include polymer synthesis, sequence specific materials, adaptable materials and organic material synthesis. Furthermore, there remains interest in incorporating machine learning methods into synthesis and material properties studies, as well as using continuous flow chemistry to synthesize materials and macromolecules.

key words

Organic Materials; Synthesis; Polymers; Functionalization; Stimuli Responsive; Sensors; Organic Frameworks; Flow Chemistry; Machine Learning, Automation

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants