Job Description

We are seeking two postdoctoral research associates to join us in the Sustainable Macromolecular Materials and Manufacturing (SM3) center at Arizona State University (ASU). The position will be co-supervised by Prof. Yoan C. Simon and Prof. Tim Long and supported by the Center. The postdoctoral research associate will be located within the Biodesign Center for Sustainable Macromolecular Materials and Manufacturing (SM3). Our center integrates sustainable chemistry and engineering practices across the continuum of macromolecular materials innovation to provide the products that are necessary for a sustainable life. We embrace a “molecules to manufacturing to marketplace” paradigm to catalyze innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit. It is this concurrent design of both molecular structure and translational processes with broader impacts that percolates across our Center.

The successful candidate will join a highly active collaboration integrating concepts of sustainable engineering practices into additive manufacturing, and circular polymer design. The main duties will include designing, synthesizing, and characterizing novel monomers for the realization of stimuli-responsive polymers. They will work with experts in the field and access ability to pilot-testing facilities as the technologies mature. In addition to these, postdoctoral associates are expected to take leadership roles in laboratory: training and mentoring students as well as developing methods and shared characterization facility SOPs. As such, successful candidates will demonstrate initiative, leadership, creativity, strong communication skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset. The postdoctoral associate will be centered in the Simon and Long labs, with vast opportunities for collaboration and professional development. This appointment will be for one year with renewal contingent on performance and mutual interest.

Essential Duties

• Design, synthesize, and characterize novel monomers for stimuli-responsive polymers.
• Integrate sustainable engineering practices into additive manufacturing and circular polymer design.
• Collaborate with experts and utilize pilot-testing facilities as technologies mature.
• Take leadership roles in the laboratory, including training and mentoring students.
• Develop methods and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for shared characterization facilities.
• Demonstrate initiative, leadership, creativity, strong communication skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset.

Minimum Qualification:

• Ph.D. obtained within the last 3 years in Chemistry, Material Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field
• Strong working knowledge of safe laboratory practices

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in small molecule and polymer synthesis, processing, and characterization
• Strong track record of high-quality publications and/or IP
• Experience working on highly interdisciplinary research teams

Only electronic submissions will be reviewed. Incomplete applications will not be considered. To apply for this position, submit the following required application materials:

• Cover letter
• A complete curriculum vitae
• The names and contact information of three references (name, position, title, organization, email, and phone number).
• Optional (I.e. statement of research, two or more peer-reviewed publications)

The initial application deadline is February 28, 2025. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled.