Postdoctoral Research Associate – Patton Lab

The University of Southern Mississippi • Hattiesburg, MS

20h • Onsite

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will conduct and lead research on sustainable polymer materials within the Patton Lab at The University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Polymer Science and Engineering. This position integrates fundamental polymer materials research with translational and innovation-focused activities to support the advancement of emerging technologies. The role centers on evaluating and advancing polymer materials for applications in sustainability and real-world use, contributing to the lab’s overall research mission. The position operates within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment and supports the broader goals of innovation, research translation, and academic excellence. This is a full-time, 12-month appointment, with continuation contingent upon the availability of external funding.

Requirements

• Doctoral Degree from an accredited college or university in Polymer Science and Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related field. Dissertation must be defended and approved, and all degree requirements must be met prior to the start of the position.
• Two (2) years of experience with multi-step organic and polymer synthesis, purification, monomer and polymer characterization, and related polymer laboratory techniques.
• Knowledge of polymer chemistry, polymer characterization, and polymer processing techniques
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills in experimental research
• Strong written and oral scientific communication skills, including preparation of manuscripts, technical reports, and presentations
• Ability to review and edit manuscript drafts and produce publication-quality writing
• Ability to organize, document, and manage experimental data to research-grade standards
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team and contribute to a collaborative and supportive laboratory culture
• Commitment to mentorship, training, and professional development of junior researchers
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Nice To Haves

• Two (2) years of experience with polymer processing or fabrication techniques used to prepare polymer materials for characterization and performance testing.
• Two (2) years of experience preparing or contributing to peer-reviewed manuscripts, grant proposals, or conference presentations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research on sustainable polymer materials, including design, synthesis, processing, and evaluation.
• Establish relationships between structure, properties, and performance using appropriate analytical, thermal, and mechanical characterization methods.
• Advance research toward translational readiness by identifying application requirements, performance benchmarks, and scalability considerations.
• Identify intellectual property and prepare invention disclosures, while participating in feasibility assessments and gap analysis.
• Prepare technical reports, peer reviewed publications, and presentations to communicate research findings and innovation outcomes.
• Collaborate with academic and external partners to support research initiatives and expand project impact.
• Mentor and train graduate and undergraduate researchers, support laboratory operations, and ensure compliance with research ethics and environmental health and safety standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Continuation contingent upon the availability of external funding.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree