Location: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
Open Date: May 17, 2026
Deadline: Nov 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time
Description
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher / Research Scientist in Polymer Rheology and Processing to join our dynamic research group at KAUST. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in executing high-impact, industrially funded projects focused on next-generation advanced functional polymer systems.
This position sits at the intersection of fundamental polymer physics, materials science, and industrially relevant processing. The candidate will lead efforts to understand structure–rheology–processability relationships, specifically focusing on interfacial phenomena, multilayer architectures, and the preservation of delicate micro- and nanostructures during macroscopic extrusion.
Key Objectives
- Establish processing–structure–property relationships: Develop a deep understanding of how melt and solid-state rheology impact the final functional and mechanical performance of complex polymer composites.
- Advance interfacial rheology: Investigate adhesion, layer stability, and morphology evolution in multiphase and multilayer systems to prevent structural deformation and layer breakup under processing shear.
- Enable advanced manufacturing: Translate quantitative rheological data into predictive designs for scalable processing technologies, including thermal drawing, co-extrusion, and compounding.
- Bridge physics and application: Successfully process and encapsulate functional micro-structures within robust polymer matrices without compromising their physical integrity.
Responsibilities
- Lead cutting-edge research in polymer rheology and processing science, directly aligning with KAUST’s goals and our industrial partner's milestones.
- Design and execute rigorous experiments on:
- Bulk and interfacial rheology
- Nonlinear viscoelastic behavior
- Extensional and shear flow dynamics relevant to extrusion and compounding
- Develop insights into interfacial stability, flow instabilities, and morphology control in multiphase and multilayer systems.
- Support and optimize advanced polymer processing, including:
- Polymer preform fabrication and fiber drawing
- High-shear matrix compounding
- Thin-film extrusion and structuring
- Correlate rheological behavior directly with processability (drawability, spinnability, film uniformity) and final macroscopic material performance.
- Work closely with a multidisciplinary team of materials scientists, chemists, and industrial process engineers to solve complex integration challenges.
- Publish high-impact research, contribute to intellectual property generation, and deliver technical reports to industrial stakeholders.
Why Join Us?
- Work at the forefront of polymer science and advanced materials in a world-class, globally recognized research environment.
- Directly contribute to sustainable, next-generation technologies that solve real-world industrial challenges.
- Bridge fundamental science with immediate industrial impact through our close collaboration with a global industry leader.
- Collaborate with leading experts across materials science, physics, and advanced manufacturing.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Polymer Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
- Strong, demonstrated expertise in:
- Polymer rheology (experimental and/or computational)
- Polymer physics and viscoelasticity
- Hands-on experience in polymer processing technologies, particularly extrusion, compounding, or fiber spinning.
- Proven ability to connect molecular structure to rheological behavior, and subsequently to processability and final macroscopic properties.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to articulate complex scientific concepts to both academic and industrial audiences.
Preferred Expertise
- Experience with interfacial rheology and multiphase polymer systems, particularly involving structural deformation under stress.
- Familiarity with multilayer co-extrusion, thermal fiber drawing, or functional thin-film processing.
- Knowledge of the thermal and rheological behaviors of industrial thermoplastics (e.g., polyolefins and engineering plastics).
- Background in computational or analytical modeling of fluid/flow behavior during melt processing.
- Previous experience working on industrially funded projects or within technology-transfer environments.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong analytical thinking with the ability to interpret complex thermomechanical datasets.
- Hands-on experimental mindset with a proactive, execution-driven attitude.
- Proven track record of working effectively and collaboratively in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
