About the role
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Polymerization Catalysis to work with Professor Charlotte Williams for a period of up to 5 months. The post is funded by the EPSRC. The research will involve developing new controlled polymerization catalysts to deliver carbon dioxide-derived and bio-derived polymers. The catalysts, and processes, used to make the polymers will be investigated to discover earth-abundant and synergic metal combinations and to elucidate the minimum energy inputs to enable effective polymer production. The research will involve catalyst testing, including through evaluation of kinetics and proposing mechanisms. It will involve characterization of the catalysts, and resulting polymers using a range of techniques.
Find out more about the Williams research and group here
About you
Applicants must hold a PhD in Polymerization catalysis (or be close to completion) prior to taking up the appointment. The research requires experience in carbon dioxide copolymerization catalysis, including using high-pressure reactors.
We seek a candidate interested to join our diverse, multi-disciplinary research team and help us to try to solve these important environmental challenges. Our research team is diverse and inclusive. In your prior research, you must have experience of investigating polymerization catalysis, using carbon dioxide to make polymers including with high-pressure reactors and you must be able to demonstrate competence in the use of anaerobic techniques to make catalysts. You must also be able to demonstrate catalyst characterization and polymerization catalysis kinetic methodology expertise.
You will be expected to manage your own academic research and administrative activities, for example by showing effective project management and meeting research deadlines.
The post will be based in the Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA and is available from 1 September 2025.
Application Process
Applications for this vacancy are to be made online and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your application. In your supporting statement (<5 pages), please explain how you meet each of the selection criteria found in the job description.
Certificates, references and research papers should not be provided at this stage.
The closing date for applications is 12.00 midday, Tuesday, 26 August 2025, UK time. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.
The University of Oxford and The Department of Chemistry are Silver Athena SWAN holders. Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and ethnic minority candidates, who are under-represented in Chemistry research posts in Oxford.