Job no: 509615
Position type: Staff Full Time
Benefit Status: Benefited-Union
Campus: UMass Lowell
Department: Plastics Engineering
Salary: Salary range $50,000 - $52,000 annualized
Applications Open: Feb 01 2022
Applications Close: Open until filled

General Summary of Position:

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work closely with faculty, graduate students
and undergraduate students to carry out research on surface functionalization of textiles for achieving multifunctionality (Flame retardant, insect repellants, antimicrobials) through surface treatment/ chemical/microwave or photo-initiated functionalization under the direction of the Principal Investigator. This position is contingent upon funding.

Conduct studies in chemical and microwave assisted functionalization of Nyco (1:1, nylon : cotton), Nylon and cotton fabrics’ surface to achieve multifunctionality. Analyze and document results and use the results to plan experiments to improve properties.

Acquire or synthesize multifunctional materials and design effective crosslinking methods (thermal and/or photocuring) to attach functional moieties onto surface of the fabric

Review appropriate literature pertaining to current or proposed research. Prepare materials for publication and grant proposals as well as advise and train graduate students in this regard. Assist in supervising the graduate and undergraduate students working on the projects in conjunction with the PI.

Assist in maintaining instruments, such as thermal characterization equipment, spectrophotometers, spin coaters and help ordering required chemicals and lab supplies for the projects.

Make recommendations on suitability of manuscripts for publications and conference proceedings and on experimental approaches and characterizations.

Work involves activities that require using many different procedures depending on the particular applications, for example designing and executing various synthetic schemes and procedures for chemical functionalization of the fabrics for success of project.

Some supervision of graduate, undergraduate students and high school student interns.

Frequent contact with students, faculty and staff. Presents seminars and gives demonstrations to sponsors and visitors. Travels as necessary to present work.

Occasional travel between campuses for meetings. Occasional travel for off-site meetings, both in the local area and in areas requiring flights.

* The ability to work effectively with diverse groups and also ability to use required instruments, such as NMR, TGA-FTIR, DSC and PCFC, for chemical characterization and properties of materials.

Occasional (10-33%) reaching, pushing, grasping and lifting of up to 10 pounds.

Frequent (34-66%) standing and walking and sitting

Constant (67-100%) viewing of computer screen, equipment and reports; repetitive motion, talking and hearing.

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

Education:

• Must have a Ph.D. in Chemistry/Material Science/ Textile engineering or related field

Additional Considerations:

• Prior grant writing experience desirable
• Experience in chemistry, development of functional coatings on fabric in addition to extensive synthetic chemistry snf spectroscopy experience

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Only current UML Employees within the Grants & Contracts (MTA/GRACE) bargaining unit will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period.

Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. However, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applications is received.

This position is contingent upon funding. The initial appointment will be for one year with a possibility of renewal based on productivity, successful performance and the availability of funding.

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process.