Researcher – Polymer composites

The Institute

Technology Innovation Institute (TII) a publicly funded research institute based in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates. It is home to a diverse community of leading scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and researchers from across the globe, transforming problems and roadblocks into pioneering research and technology prototypes that help move society ahead.

Advanced Materials Research Centre

From transportation to sustainability and renewable energy, new materials could enable major new breakthroughs in performance and capability.

In our Advanced Materials Research Centre, we see future opportunities in:

• Energy-absorbing materials and structures
• Energy storage
• High-temperature thermoplastic composites
• Nanomaterials
• Smart materials and structures
• Simulation

The advertised position is part of the High-temperature thermoplastic composites group to work on the state-of-the-art technologies in the light-weight composite materials field.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of polymer synthesis and modifications for high-performance thermoplastic composite applications.
• Driving the innovation in UD tape/prepreg manufacturing and polymer compounding
• Optimization of process parameters for polymers, thermoplastic, bio-based and sustainable composites, and recycling
• Support the team in producing thermoplastic composites with added functionalities to meet the customers’ requirements.
• Perform characterization analyses of the produced composites and/or synthesized polymers with Design of Experiments (DoE) experience.
• Present ongoing work and findings to colleagues in the center and at conferences nationally and internationally
• Teach and supervise junior team members in the group.
• Support the team leader in designing and developing new methodologies, techniques, and products for light-weight applications (thermoplastics & thermosets)
• Identify end users and setup collaboration for product design and manufacturing
• Produce progress report and group strategic plan
• Ensure the implementation of the health and safety rules

Note: This list of responsibilities is intended to be a guideline for daily activities.

Person Specification:

Must have skills/background/expertise :

• A MSc with 3 to 5 years of industrial experience/Ph.D. degree in polymer chemistry/engineer, chemical engineer, material science and or equivalent industrial experience in polymer composites manufacturing
• 5+ years of professional (including academic) experience in polymers and composites manufacturing, preferably high-performance thermoplastics, bio-based and sustainable composites.
• Experience in thermoplastic polymer modification/synthesis
• Hands-on expertise with polymer compounding using twin-screw extrusion
• Experience in at least one of the following methods: Tape/prepreg manufacturing, Thermoforming, Thermoplastic RTM (T-RTM)
• Experience in material and polymer characterization techniques: DMA, TGA, DSC, SEM, X-ray CT, extra

Desirable skills/background/expertise:

• Knowledge of advanced manufacturing technologies (UD tape manufacturing and AFP) and recycling
• Experience in synthesis and modification of polymers is a plus
• Knowledge in smart and multifunctional materials
• A proven track record of peer-reviewed publications in reputable journals in the polymers and composites field