The basic and applied research focuses on the design, synthesis, and development of novel siloxane surfactants for aqueous film forming foams (AFFFs). Our research focuses on incorporating ionic and zwitterionic moieties as drop-in replacements for fluorinated surfactants. Previous experience with polymer chemistry and multi-step small molecule organic synthesis is highly desired. Must have the ability to collaborate with a multi-disciplined teams of scientists and assess surfactant properties. A wide range of instruments are available for characterization and evaluation studies of the new materials in addition to collaborations with other DoD laboratories. Experience with zwitterionic transformations and characterization is a bonus.

References

(1) Brown, L. C.; Giles, S. L.; Daniels, G. C.; Romanczyk, M.; Ananth, R. Iridium-Catalyzed Hydrosilylation of Polymeric Olefins: Moving beyond Platinum-Based Catalysts for Surfactants. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research 2024, 63 (21), 9329-9335. DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.4c00048.

(2) Snow, A. W.; Ananth, R. Polycarbinol-siloxane surfactants: synthesis, characterization, fire suppression evaluation and foaming-defoaming properties. Tenside Surfactants Detergents 2025, 62 (2), 141-153. DOI: 10.1515/tsd-2024-2646.

(3) Snow, A. W.; Ananth, R. Sulfobetaine-Siloxanes: A Class of Self-Destructive Surfactants. Langmuir 2024, 40 (9), 4831-4844. DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c03735.

citizenship

level

Additional Benefits

Awardees who reside more than 50 miles from their host laboratory and remain on tenure for at least six months are eligible for paid relocation to within the vicinity of their host laboratory.

A group health insurance program is available to awardees and their qualifying dependents in the United States.