This opportunity focuses on the synthesis and characterization of high-performance thermosetting resins, thermoplastics, and plasticizers from renewable materials. Research will be conducted on biomass deconstruction, development of atom-economic methods for monomer synthesis, elucidation of structure/property relationships for biomass-derived monomers, and evaluation of the material properties of resulting polymers and composites. Several classes of thermosetting resins and thermoplastics including cyanate esters, polyphenylenes, polymides, benzoxazines, PEEK, polycarbonates, condensation polymers, and hybrid inorganic/organic polymers are of interest. The Associate will conduct small molecule characterization via techniques including NMR, IR, MS, GC/MS, and X-ray diffraction. Polymer characterization will be conducted using standard techniques including GPC, DSC, TMA and TGA.

 

key words

Renewable fuel; High temperature composites; Green chemistry; Catalysis; Inorganic chemistry; Polymer chemistry;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants

Additional Benefits

Relocation

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.

Health insurance

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