Postdoctoral Research Associate in Additive Manufacturing - Plastics Engineering (multiple posi... at University of Massachusetts Lowell in LOWELL, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Job no: 526513

Position type: Staff Full Time

Campus: UMass Lowell

Department: Plastics Engineering

Salary: Salary anticipated of $65,000/year based on grant

Applications Open: Feb 20 2025

Applications Close: Open until filled

General Summary of Position:

The successful applicant will conduct experimental and analytical research in the areas of 4D/3D Printing of Shape Memory Polymers and/or Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites for Biomedical Applications (smart catheters) with an emphasis on design/implementation, experimentation, material selection and formulation, manufacturing, and characterization. Participate in meetings and write reports, scholarly articles, and proposals.

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

Essential Job Duties:

1. Conduct experimental and analytical research under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI). This specifically involves:

• Participate in the catheter design for additive manufacturing


• Identify and formulate polymers, nanocomposites, and composites


• Compound and fabricate filaments


• Conduct 3D printing experiments with shape memory polymers and/or fiber/polymer composites


• Design and implement setups needed for post-processing and evaluation of the materials and printed catheters


• Ensure all project-related activities are conducted in a timely manner and to the highest standard.


• Prepare status reports and deliverables in collaboration with and under the direction of the PI.


• Collaborate actively and closely with the internal research team as well as research partners from external organizations.


• Ensure all deliverables are delivered in a timely manner and to the highest standard.

2. Assist supervisor in writing scholarly articles and grant proposals:

• The successful candidate will be expected to initiate and assist in the formulation and writing of externally funded research proposals. This effort will include finding appropriate opportunities, finding collaborative partners, generating preliminary data, and proposal writing.


• The successful candidate will also be expected to publish at least two articles per year in peer-reviewed scientific journals based on the research conducted. Papers and presentations at scientific conferences will also be required. Development of patentable technologies over the course of the project is also expected.

3. Attend meetings related to the research projects:

• Conduct weekly group meeting for the internal research team including PI, Co-PI, and students.


• Actively participate and present in the cross-institutional research meetings.

4. Supervision of Undergraduate and Graduate Students:

• Meet weekly with each student to review their research project, progress, papers and develop path forward.

Promote the University's commitment to customer service:

• Build effective partnerships with co-workers throughout the University.


• Ensure optimum service to all internal and external partners in response to all requests for service and information.


• Maintain an environment that is welcoming to people of all backgrounds, nationalities, and roles.

Other Job Duties:

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

• This role may involve occasional travel that may involve overnight or day travel.

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

Education:

• PhD in Plastics/Polymer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science/Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.

Experience:

• Minimum four years of experience (including MS and PhD research experience) in research related to additive manufacturing with polymers and composites.

Skills:

• Ability to work as a team player


• Strong technical writing and communication skills


• Experience in 4D/3D printing and testing


• Experience in design and implementation of test setups


• Foundational knowledge of printing and composites


• Knowledge of polymer materials and composites


• Experience in (or Familiarity with) the processing of polymers


• Familiarity with various testing and characterization of polymeric materials

Additional Considerations:

• Publications in the field


• Ability to work independently, with limited direction, as well as within a team environment.


• Ability to mentor and inspire students with limited research 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.

This is a Grants & Contracts (MTA/GRACE) bargaining unit position.

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, 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.