What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Researcher position at University of Delaware?
Two postdoctoral openings in the research group of Prof. Wagner and joint with Prof. Wagner and Prof. Cao at the University of Delaware are currently accepting applications. Applications can be sent as a cover letter, cv, and list of references as a single PDF to hanmel@udel.edu
- Postdoctoral Researcher: Using rheology to probe interparticle interactions, including jamming in confined spaces under flow
- Context of job: The researcher will work with Prof. Norman Wagner of the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering of the University of Delaware along with scientists from an industrial sponsor (GSK) to establish conditions under which difficulties occur in the syringability of suspensions characteristic of injectable formulations and develop methods to mitigate such issues. This will be achieved in part through rheological, microfluidic, rheo-SALS/SAS/SANS and allied methods development and implementation. General strategies to reduce the viscosity of highly concentrated suspensions will be explored. This is a one-year industrially funded project to be performed at the University of Delaware, with the possibility of extension.
- Major responsibilities:
- Conduct scientific research utilizing a range of experimental characterization techniques.
- Supervise an undergraduate researcher.
- Co-manage laboratory safety and operations
- Draft and complete technical reports for industrial partner and scientific manuscripts in conjunction with the PIs and team members.
- Responsible for data management, analysis, and presentation of results to industrial partners and at relevant scientific conferences.
- Qualifications: A Ph.D. in a related field such as engineering, materials science, physics, biochemistry or chemistry is required, as is expertise in one or more of the following experimental techniques, particularly in relation to biological molecules (e.g., proteins, peptides): rheology, microfluidics, microscopy, light scattering, x-ray scattering, neutron scattering. Candidates should have experience in laboratory methods of physical property characterization techniques, designing experiments and handling of biological molecules.
- Postdoctoral Researcher: Space suit textiles and geopolymers for lunar exploration
- Context of job: Dr. Cao is leading a NASA STTR grant "Sintered Powder Textile Coatings for Extreme Environments (Phase II)" (subaward from STF Technologies, LLC). And 50% will be in support of this project. Prof. Wagner has funded research from the NSF and NASA in geopolymers for terrestrial and space applications, including current experiments on the ISS and the RAC lunar mission and requires 50% postdoctoral staff to support this effort.
- Major responsibilities: This project has two complementary parts. 50% of the Postdoc’s responsibilities are textile development and testing for spacesuit textiles. The textile development work includes textile fabric development of nonwoven, weaving, and knitting, and treatment such as sintering and coating. The textile testing work includes abrasion resistance, tensile strength, stiffness/softness, durability after radiation exposure, air permeability, thermal resistance, etc. The Postdoc researcher will also analyze the data, draft reports/papers, and help with Phase III proposal. 50% of the effort will be in the formulation, curing and testing of geopolymers for sustainable construction materials as part of NSF and NASA funded research, including ongoing experiments on the International Space Station and the RAC mission to the lunar surface. Efforts include rheology, materials testing, data analysis, and drafting of reports/papers and preparing applications for further testing on the ISS and lunar surface.
- Qualifications: A Ph.D. degree in textile science and engineering, chemical engineering, material science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, or related fields.
