Postdoctoral Research Associate in Polymerization and Depolymerization Catalysis

University of Oxford - Department of Chemistry

Oxford, United Kingdom

GBP 39,424 - 47,779 per year

The research focusses on the discovery and development of homogeneous polymerization and depolymerization catalysts. Polymerization catalysis will be investigated using epoxides, carbon dioxide, cyclic anhydrides and cyclic esters/carbonates. The synthesis of polymerization catalysts will require expertise in inorganic and organometallic chemistry since heterometallic complexes are targeted. Polymerization catalysis kinetics will be investigated using specialist reactors, in situ spectroscopy, conventional aliquot analysis, calorimetry methods and other methods. In addition, the isolation of key catalytic intermediates and investigation of their reactivity will be targeted. In the area of depolymerization catalysis, research focusses on the transformation of polycarbonates and polyesters back to their monomers, including epoxides, carbon dioxide, cyclic anhydrides and cyclic esters/carbonates. Depolymerization kinetics will be investigated using a range of methods, including thermal gravimetric analysis, spectroscopy and polymer characterization techniques. The objective is to understand the key parameters influencing catalytic rates so as to design more effective polymerization and depolymerization catalysts.

Applicants should have a PhD (or close to obtaining) in Chemistry with experience of inorganic or organometallic chemistry relevant to homogeneous catalysis. You must be experience in the techniques necessary to make and handle air-sensitive compounds, including use of Schlenk lines and glove boxes. You must have experience of common inorganic complex characterization techniques, including NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and X-ray diffraction methods. Experience of polymerization catalysis and/or methods and techniques relevant to the measurement of kinetics would be desirable. You will be expected to manage all the day-to-day aspects of your academic research and its administration. You will also be expected to join the early career forum of the UK Catalysis Hub and to join training and conferences organized by the Hub.