Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Rheology of Polymeric Materials

Posting Expiry

Please refer to reference number PDFO-58236 when applying for this position.

 

The Industrial and Multiphysics Laboratory at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver is looking for a postdoctoral research fellow (who has completed their PhD within the last five years at the time of appointment) to work on a newly industrial-funded 1-year postdoctoral research project. The successful PDF candidate will join a dynamic and multidisciplinary team under the supervision of Dr. Dana Grecov.

Dr. Grecov’s current research program focuses on studying complex fluids and their applications using numerical simulations and experimental methods. For more information about Industrial and Multiphysics Laboratory, please visit https://ibml.mech.ubc.ca/ and/or the LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/industrial-and-biological-multiphysics-laboratory/

As funders of this fellowship position, the scientists from the industrial partner will collaborate with and work alongside the successful candidate.

This project seeks to develop and understand the manufacturing process for a hyaluronic acid-based product. Of particular interest are the insights of material chemical reactions, integrated, comprehensive results of dynamic chemical reaction with each step of material mixing properties through the analysis of chemical and physical characterization to enhance the robustness of the manufacturing process.

The successful applicants will be supervised by Director Dana Grecov and will work with the research team from the industrial partner. There are also opportunities to interact with various faculty in the Departments of Applied Science and Science at UBC. Therefore, a willingness to collaborate and mentor undergraduate and graduate students is advantageous.

Responsibilities

The candidate will investigate the chemistry and material properties to understand the processing of a Sodium hyaluronic acid-based product.  Specifically, the candidate will study how the properties are related to the degradation and crosslinking of the material via multiple analytical methods and the rheology impact via rheological characterization. The candidate will be responsible for enhancing the robustness of the existing manufacturing process and proposing an optimized process as a simplified/alternate manufacturing option with improved gel material rheology.

Qualifications

  • A Ph.D. degree in an appropriate discipline (chemistry, material engineering, material science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering) is required.
  • Background and experience in polymer chemistry and crosslinking-degradation is required.
  • Experience working with hyaluronic acid (HA) or HA-based products is desirable.
  • Experience working with cross-linking and/or its modeling is desirable.
  • Outstanding organization skills and attention to detail are essential, as well as the ability to efficiently manage time and workflow, including skillfully prioritizing long-term projects and day-to-day responsibilities.
  • Ability for critical thinking and independent learning.
  • Ability to collaborate proficiently and communicate effectively with colleagues and management teams.

Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity for several reasons. Located at the University of British Columbia Point Gray campus, you will be in a highly innovative and interdisciplinary research environment and close collaboration with an industrial partner. Vancouver repeatedly ranks among the most livable places in the world and combines excellence in research with a high quality of life. Excellent opportunities for personal and professional development are provided.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit a CV and cover letter detailing their experience and contact details for 3 references. Applications should be sent to dgrecov@mech.ubc.ca with ‘PDF position’ in the subject line. Applicants for the position will be evaluated in the order they are received.

This posting will remain open until the position is filled. The proposed start date for this position isNovember 15th, 2024, and is negotiable. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The salary range is expected to be $70,000 to $75,000 per annum plus benefits.

How to apply?

Please send applications to dgrecov@mech.ubc.ca and refer to reference number PDFO-58236.

Desired start date: 15 Nov 2024
Duration: Fixed term / Temporary
Contract Type: Full Time

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.