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Postdoctoral Research Associate - Material Science Thermosetting Polymers

Georgia Southern University
United States, Georgia, Statesboro
May 13, 2025
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Material Science Thermosetting Polymers Job ID: 285492 Location: Statesboro, Georgia Full/Part Time: Full Time Regular/Temporary: Regular About Us Join Our Team at Georgia Southern! Georgia Southern is a dynamic university with three vibrant campuses in Hinesville, Savannah and Statesboro serving the communities in Southeast Georgia. As a Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution, our world-class scholars instruct about 26,000 students in associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral level degree programs. Whether you are seeking the charm of a small town, the traditions of a historical/urban destination near the beach or supporting our military service members and their families, Georgia Southern offers its faculty and staff the best of all worlds! Beyond an ideal location, there is a place for you to work in an exciting environment abounding with opportunities for personal and professional growth. We are steeped in tradition and devoted to academic distinction in teaching, scholarship and service. In 2018 Forbes Magazine listed Georgia Southern, along with 10 other Georgia companies or institutions, as one of America's Best Midsize Employers. Georgia Southern University is passionate about serving our region while preparing our students to be lifelong scholars, leaders, and responsible stewards of their communities and the world. To learn more about Georgia Southern's Vision, Mission and Values please click here: https://president.georgiasouthern.edu/performance-excellence/mission-values/ Location Statesboro Campus - Statesboro, GA Department Information Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry Job Summary The Center for Advanced Materials & the Department of Biochem, Chemistry & Physics at Georgia Southern University is hiring a Post-Doctoral Research Associate. The successful candidate will join one of the research groups outlined below. The position will join the research group of Dr. Rafael Quirino. The postdoctoral associate will be responsible for preparing thermosetting polymers from microbial oils and for thoroughly characterizing the materials produced via TGA, DSC, and DMA, among other techniques. He/she will also compile an extensive data set to be used for Machine Learning (ML). They will validate a predictive model generated by ML by preparing new samples with ideal monomers and contrasting their properties with predicted values. The post-doc will assist with manuscript preparation, Conference presentations, writing proposals for external funding, and will directly oversee the work of graduate and undergraduate students in the lab. The postdoc will benefit from working in the Center for Advanced Materials Science in Statesboro, GA with faculty with expertise in all areas of materials science and technology. The position is for a one-year period. This position is time limited and 100% sponsored-funded; therefore, continued employment is contingent upon availability of grant or contract funding. Employment is contingent upon funding. Responsibilities Conduct self-directed and directed research in the research project described above Design and implement high-impact research projects including but not limited thermosetting polymers and their analysis Set up and maintain experimental instruments and equipment Develop manuscripts and presentations containing results of assigned research findings Assist with development, edit and review project proposals, presentations, and reports Manage assignments to graduate assistants and undergraduate researchers as needed Oversee student researchers during laboratory experiments Oversee data analysis and data management Disseminate research results to scientific audiences through peer-reviewed journal articles, conference presentations, and other media Required Qualifications Educational Requirements PhD degree in a relevant field (chemistry, physics, materials science, etc.) Required Experience Expertise in materials science, polymer science broadly defined Excellent laboratory skills in polymer synthesis and characterization techniques Experience with common materials characterization techniques and relevant spectroscopies Proficiency in text, graphics, and data processing software Author or co-author on publications in a closely related top Preferred Qualifications Preferred Experience Experience with polymerization of vegetable oils/triglycerides, preparation of thermosetting polymers via free radical polymerization, compression molding Preparation of polymer composites Experience with a wide range of materials characterization, such as TGA, DSC, DMA, GPC, contact angle, SEM, TEM, EDX, GC-MS, XRD, FTIR, NMR Experience with preparing grant applications Proposed Salary $56,000 This is an exempt position paid on a monthly basis. Required Documents to Attach Resume Cover Letter Two (2) Professional References Unofficial Graduate and Undergraduate Transcripts Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities ABILITIES Consistently exhibit engaging customer service Ability to support various constituencies served by the University Proven proficiency with computers including Microsoft Office, Google, and/or applications as required for specific position KNOWLEDGE Adhere to University policies and procedures to meet Institutional goals and support University's mission for student success SKILLS Effective communication (verbal and written), organizational and human relations skills Strong attention to detail with excellent analytical, judgment, and problem-solving capabilities Excellent multi-tasking skills Demonstrated research experience from designing research questions to dissemination of results Demonstrated ability to work independently and complete tasks Apply Before Date June 2, 2025 Application review may begin on May 16, 2025. Contact Information For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Resources by phone at (912) 478-6947 or by email at hrservice@georgiasouthern.edu. For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at (877) 251.2644, or email support@usg.edu. USG Core Values The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653. Conditions of Employment Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Georgia Southern University, as determined by Georgia Southern University in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request. Legally authorized to work in the United States for the duration of employment without assistance from the University. Must be able to perform duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation. Georgia Southern University is a Tobacco and Smoke-Free Community. Proof of valid Driver's License upon hire and throughout employment. Employment contingent on availability of soft grant/contract funds. Equal Employment Opportunity Georgia Southern University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. Individuals in need of reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in the search process should notify Human Resources: (912) 478-6947. Other Information Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. Workweek may occasionally extend beyond 40 hours. Evening and weekend work may be required. Position is required to drive. Occasional travel may be required. Working with high stress situations. Work performed in indoor and outdoor environments. Exposure to noise, distractions, unpredictable behaviors, and/or to bio-hazardous material. May be required to maneuver items weighing up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation. Background Check Position of Trust + Education To apply, visit https://careers.hprod.onehcm.usg.edu/psp/careers/CAREERS/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=39000&JobOpeningId=285492&PostingSeq=1 jeid-9ddba9c511dffa43991a778222f0554b