Research Scientist

The Computational Soft Matter and Materials research group at the Physics Department of Wesleyan University, in collaboration with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), has a Research Scientist position available.Under the joint supervision of Prof. Francis Star at Welseyanand Dr. Jack Douglas at NIST, the Research Scientist will carry out computational studies of the physical factors governing the solubility of polymer mixtures and water-soluble polymers. This project aims to impact strategies for recycling polymer materials and design ideas to more develop more sustainable polymer materials. The specific focus of the research will initially be on the thermodynamic and dynamic properties of dilute solutions of polyamide polymers modeled at the level of OPLS potentials and water models like TIP4P/2005; salt effects will be incorporated at later stages. In addition, there are opportunities to investigate coarse-grained models of polyelectrolyte, polyzwitterion and coascervate polymer solutions. All studies will emphasize the configurational properties and the nature of the hydration layers in these classes of water-soluble polymer materials for structural and packaging applications. Given that these applications involve solid materials, we also plan to thoroughly quantify the characteristics of the glass transition in these materials, a problem of both fundamental and technological interest.Responsibilities include:

Collaboration with and potential supervision of graduate and undergraduate students

Manuscript preparation and editing and conference presentations.

Assisting in grant preparation, grant applications, and grant reporting

Other duties as assigned

This position is stationed at NIST in Gaithersburg, MD with regular visits to Wesleyan’s campus. The position is approved for two years with the potential to extend based on funding.Information about the Starr research group can be found at https://fstarr.faculty.wesleyan.edu.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related fieldKnowledge of theory of amorphous materials and polymer physics.Knowledge of computational methods, including Molecular Dynamics and Monte Carlo.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience with molecular modeling polymers and polymer materialsExperience with molecular modeling aqueous systemsExperience with LAMMPS, HOOMD, or Gromacs simulation suitesExperience with GPU programmingDemonstrated commitment to work within a diverse environment and interact openly with individuals of different backgroundsAdditional Application Instructions:Position is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.As part of your application, please upload a cover letter and resume.Compensation: $61,300.00 - $66,800.00Work Location: On CampusAll offers to external applicants are contingent on the candidate’s completion of a pre-employment background check screening (https://www.wesleyan.edu/hr/pdfs/Wesleyan%20University%20Background%20Check%20Policy.pdf) to the satisfaction of Wesleyan University.Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, Connecticut, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, political belief, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or non-position-related criminal record. We welcome applications from women and historically underrepresented minority groups. Inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504 or any other non-discrimination policies should be directed to Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, Title IX and ADA/504 Coordinator.Wesleyan University complies with the Clery Act and maintains records of campus crime statistics and security policies. Copies of Wesleyan University’s Clery Act Report are available on request and online at https://www.wesleyan.edu/publicsafety/clery.html .Experience is taken into consideration in the determination of salary offers. For more information visit https://www.wesleyan.edu/hr/handbook/compensation-practices/index.html Wesleyan offers a broad range of employee benefits and development opportunities, including comprehensive group insurance plans, wellness programs and incentives, generous paid time off and retirement plans, flexible work schedules, employee and dependent tuition programs for those who qualify. Detailed information on the benefits of working at Wesleyan is located at: https://wesleyan.edu/hr/careers/prospective-resources.html .We welcome your interest in Wesleyan’s diverse, energetic community of employees who, by their creativity, innovative thinking, and generosity of spirit, help make Wesleyan a great place to work.In this open-minded and inclusive environment, our faculty and staff foster a liberal arts experience characterized by boldness, rigor, and practical idealism.

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