Careers at the University of Massachusetts Lowell

General Summary of Position:

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work closely with faculty, graduate and undergraduate students to carry out research on e-textile devices (such as organic photovoltaics and batteries), and fibers with advanced functional properties including garment integrated sensor for human monitoring under the direction of the Principal Investigator.  This position is contingent upon funding.

Essential  Job Duties:

1. Conduct studies in design, fabrication and testing of organic photovoltaics, fiber based batteries, garment integrated sensors.
2. Develop connection/interconnect fiber system to integrate functional fibers into textiles.
3. Utilize and maintain prototyping and characterization equipment, such as wire coating line, thermal and mechanical characterization equipment, microscopy and ordering required chemicals and lab supplies for the projects in addition to supervising the graduate and undergraduate students working on the projects in conjunction with the PI.
4. 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.
5. Maintain written records of research progress and process of research performed.   Prepare quarterly progress reports.
6. Present findings at meetings when necessary.

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

• Must have a Ph.D. in Plastics Engineering/Material Science, Physics, or related field

Additional Considerations:

• Expertise in organic electronics and coatingsDemonstrated computational abilities to aid in modelling and data post-processing, including C, C++, Java, MATLAB, and Mathematica
• 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 internsFrequent contact with students, faculty and staff. Presents seminars and gives demonstrations to sponsors and visitors 
• Travels as necessary to present work

Special Skills:  * The ability to work effectively with diverse groups and also ability to use required instruments, such as FTIR, TGA, TGA-FTIR, SDT, DSC, PCFC, DMA, FSC, Optical and Electron microscopies for chemical/molecular characterization and testing flame retardant properties of the materials.

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.