Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Micromechanical Modelling of Thermoplastic Elastomers

We are seeking a full-time Post-Doctoral Research Associate to join the Brassart Research Group at the Department of Engineering Science (central Oxford).  The post is funded by EPSRC, for a duration of 24 months.

The project aim’s to develop new constitutive models to describe the mechanical behaviour of Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs). These polymers are increasingly being developed as a sustainable alternative to conventional rubbers, thanks to their re-processability, recyclability, and design flexibility. A micromechanical approach will be adopted to link key microstructure parameters (hard phase content, length of the soft segments) to the macroscopic properties.

This project is supported by the Sustainable Chemicals & Materials Manufacturing (SCHEMA) Hub, funded by EPSRC, which gathers researchers from across the UK along with industry partners to tackle grand challenges related to sustainable polymer manufacturing.

You will be responsible for the theoretical developments underpinning the model, its numerical implementation in a finite element code, and its validation against experimental data in collaboration with experimental collaborators. You will also engage with the hub activities, and liaise with academic and industry partners within the SCHEMA hub to develop new collaborations. 

You should possess a strong background and established expertise in Solid Mechanics, including nonlinear aspects. Previous experience in developing advanced constitutive models, particularly for rubber-like materials, is desirable.  

Informal inquiries may be addressed to Laurence Brassart

(email: laurence.brassart@eng.ox.ac.uk)

For more information about working at the Department, see

www.eng.ox.ac.uk/about/work-with-us/

Only online applications received before midday on 31^st May can be considered. You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, including a brief statement of research interests (describing how past experience and future plans fit with the advertised position), CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

The Department holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting women in Science, Engineering and Technology.

Additional actions

Polymer; Solid Mechanics; Mechanics of Materials; Computational Mechanics; Statistical Mechanics

Advert information