Summary
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher / Research Scientist in Polymer Rheology and Processing to join its dynamic research group within the Physical Science and Engineering Division. The selected candidate will play a central role in executing high-impact, industrially funded projects focusing on next-generation advanced functional polymer systems, bridging fundamental polymer physics, materials science, and scalable processing technologies.
Postdoc & Research Scientist: Advanced Polymer Rheology at KAUST, Saudi Arabia
Overview & Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Designation | Postdoctoral Researcher / Research Scientist |
| Institution | King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) |
| Division / Department | Physical Science and Engineering Division: Material Science and Engineering |
| Research Area | Polymer Rheology, Polymer Physics, and Advanced Polymer Processing |
| Location | Thuwal, Saudi Arabia (KAUST Campus) |
| Open Date | May 17, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | November 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time |
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Research Area
- Primary Focus: Polymer Rheology, Viscoelasticity, and Interfacial Phenomena.
- Specialized Topics: Multilayer architectures, structure–rheology–processability relationships, interfacial stability under shear, and preserving micro- and nanostructures during extrusion and compounding.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Education: Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Polymer Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline.
- Core Expertise: Strong background in polymer rheology (experimental and/or computational) alongside polymer physics and viscoelasticity.
- Technical Experience: Hands-on experience in polymer processing methods, especially extrusion, compounding, or fiber spinning.
- Analytical Skills: Proven capability to connect molecular structure to rheological behavior, processability, and macroscopic properties.
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal English communication skills suitable for academic and industrial stakeholders.
Preferred Expertise:
- Experience with interfacial rheology and multiphase polymer systems under stress.
- Familiarity with multilayer co-extrusion, thermal fiber drawing, or functional thin-film processing.
- Knowledge of thermal and rheological properties of industrial thermoplastics (e.g., polyolefins, engineering plastics).
- Experience in computational/analytical modeling of fluid and flow dynamics during melt processing.
- Prior experience with industrially funded projects or technology-transfer initiatives.
Job Description & Key Responsibilities
Key Objectives:
- Establish Processing–Structure–Property Relationships: Investigate how melt and solid-state rheology influence composite performance.
- Advance Interfacial Rheology: Analyze layer stability, adhesion, and morphology in multilayer systems to prevent layer breakup during processing.
- Enable Advanced Manufacturing: Translate rheological data into predictive models for thermal drawing, co-extrusion, and compounding.
- Encapsulate Micro-Structures: Embed functional micro-architectures inside polymer matrices without damaging structural integrity.
Core Responsibilities:
- Design and conduct experiments in bulk/interfacial rheology, nonlinear viscoelasticity, and extensional/shear flow dynamics.
- Fabricate polymer preforms, execute fiber drawing, and optimize thin-film extrusion and high-shear compounding.
- Correlate rheological findings directly with drawability, spinnability, film uniformity, and mechanical performance.
- Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of chemists, materials scientists, and industrial engineers.
- Author high-impact scientific publications, contribute to IP generation, and deliver technical reports to industrial partners.
How to Apply
Applications are processed online via Interfolio. Candidates can submit their application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, directly through the portal:
- Application Portal: Interfolio Job Application Link
Last Date to Apply
- Deadline: November 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time
