Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position to develop new generation of liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) for applications in actuation, dynamic adhesion, and vibration damping at the Cavendish Laboratory. This project aims to generate novel strategies for the material design of advanced vibration-damping and reversible adhesive materials. The key factor leveraged for this goal is the exceptional energy dissipation property of LCEs. Their unique enhanced dissipation capabilities could bring about increased damping and adhesive performance across various industries, such as the biomedical, aerospace, and defense industries.

The work will be funded by a Royal Society grant, and the successful candidate will join the research group of Dr Mohand Saed. You will be an experienced researcher with a PhD in polymer chemistry, chemistry, Materials Science, or engineering to lead the laboratory effort making the new functional adhesives based on LCEs and characterising their properties. Experience in LCEs, adhesion, and/or 3D printing is a significant bonus.

Key duties and responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, conducting individual and collaborative projects. You will have an enthusiasm to extend the boundaries of your knowledge and explore interactions with unfamiliar disciplines. You will have excellent communication and organisational skills, be capable of working under your own initiative, and be enthusiastic about interacting and sharing your expertise with other members of the research group.

The position is available immediately.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 year in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Dr Mohand Saed at [email protected].

Please quote reference KA44626 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Department of Physics, West Cambridge

£36,924-£45,163

KA44626

Research

3 January 2025

10 February 2025