"Research Associate in Self-Poisoning in Polymer Crystallisation"

University of Sheffield - School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering

Location: Sheffield, Hybrid

Salary: £38,784 to £41,064 per annum

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 9th January 2026

Closes: 1st February 2026

Job Ref: 2098

Job description:

Environmental concerns have motivated the shift from traditional thermoplastic materials to bio-sourced, biodegradable or recyclable polymers such as Poly(lactide) (PLA). The polymer crystallisation process is critical not only to the manufacturing of thermoplastics in determining their physical properties, but also their mechanical recycling where degradation of properties is currently a major issue. Recent technical advances however, challenge our current theoretical understanding of the polymer crystallisation process, as more and more examples of discrepancies between experiment and theory are revealed.

We are looking for a postdoctoral research associate who will take on this challenge in a research project titled “Understanding the Role of Self-Poisoning in Polymer Crystallisation” funded by Leverhulme Trust. The aim is to develop a new understanding of polymer crystallisation, through both experimental and theoretical studies, to explain quantitatively the many phenomena that classical theories were unable to handle. Together with other members of the Polymers and Liquid Crystals group, led by Dr. Xiangbing Zeng in the School of Chemical, Mathematical and Biological Engineering, you will be working on either the theoretical or experimental side (depending on your own expertise) of the project, to help us reach this aim.

The research project will test our research hypothesis that crystallisation of polymers is always “poisoned”, that at the growth front there is always a competition between different chain fold lengths and, in most cases, different polymorphs. Unfortunately, most current polymer crystallisation theories fail to recognise the key role of “self-poisoning”. As a result they are unable to predict/explain the growing body of experimental evidence of its importance.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about science and a problem solver, with a PhD in the general field of physics and materials science. You should have a very good understanding of the nucleation and growth process of crystals, in polymers or other systems. If you are interested in the theoretical side of the project, previous working experience with analytical and numerical methods, Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics Simulations are desirable. On the experimental side, working experience with microscopy and diffraction methods for structural characterisation is desired. Appreciation of both theoretical and experimental aspects of the project, and the ability to communicate with both theoreticians and experimentalists, are critical to the success of the project.

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities,a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.

Find out more at sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits and join us to become part of something special.