"Postdoctoral Scholar: Sustainable Polymers"

Dr. Mutian Hua’s lab at the University of Washington (the RISE Polymer Lab) seeks to hire a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to engage in the scalable synthesis and manufacturing of novel sustainable polymers derived from biomass. The candidate hired to this position will have the opportunity to join an interdisciplinary team to develop sustainable polymers with tunable characteristics, establish advanced manufacturing routes for these polymers and implement computational algorithms to assist their optimization.

The RISE Polymer Lab is dedicated to developing the next generation of robust, intelligent, sustainable, and evolving (RISE) polymers with high robustness, bio-renewability, life-like responsiveness, and evolvable properties to resolve the conflict of global development and plastic waste accumulation. The lab seeks to understand the structural-property relationship in polymers through molecular engineering, structural engineering, and advanced characterization across scales. With these insights, we resolve conflicting design principles required to combine diverse properties for advanced applications in consumer, biomedical, and robotic soft materials.

This position is full-time (100% FTE) and will be an initial 12-month appointment with a possible extension. The start date is negotiable with availability starting on 9/24/2025. The position will remain open until filled, with a priority consideration date of 8/3/2025.

Job duties/responsibilities

• Developing synthesis procedures for biomass derived sustainable polymers.
• Characterizing the structural, mechanical and physical properties of polymers to understand their structure-property relationships.
• Optimizing the properties of the developed sustainable polymers through interdisciplinary approaches.
• Contributing to the mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students in the lab.
• Publishing peer-reviewed journal articles and presenting at conferences.

Compensation

The salary range for this position will be $68,460 to $79,620 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination.

Candidates must hold a PhD or demonstrate completion of all degree requirements by the start of the appointment and have no more than four years of total postdoctoral experience at the time of appointment. The successful candidate for this position will have expertise in a relevant discipline (e.g. materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, etc.). Candidates with experience in (but not limited to) nanocellulose synthesis, polymer synthesis, dynamic covalent chemistry, catalysis, and additive manufacturing are encouraged to apply.

To apply for this position, please submit an application via Interfolio. Applicants must submit: 1) A statement of research interests and relevant skills set, 2) A representative example of your scholarly work/s, 3) A CV, 4) Names, addresses, emails and telephone numbers of three references. Questions regarding the position can be directed to mthua@uw.edu.