With support from the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy our group investigates, and is widely known for, the fundamental materials science of charged polymers. The successful candidate will participate in the entire “food chain” of polymer synthesis, characterization and behavior analysis with respect to new architectures and compositions of polyelectrolytes. Using state-of-the-art instrumentation, and surrounded by a culture of creativity, the candidate will refine their abilities for experimental design and interpretation in order to better understand the relationship between structure and properties in polyelectrolytes. Fundamental questions include the mechanism of formation, the relationship between polymer structure and the strength of interaction, and quantitative explanations for the mechanical properties of complexed polyelectrolytes. The successful candidate will also investigate possible applications of polyelectrolyte complexes, such as adhesives, scaffolds for cell growth, membranes for purification, and nanocomposites.
Presentation skills will be honed on a weekly basis in preparation for a minimum of two national or international conferences per year on relevant topics. Training in supervision of more junior scientists and writing proposals, budgets and reports will be provided.