Research Associate in Self-Poisoning in Polymer Crystallisation

University of Sheffield

Faculty:
Faculty of Engineering

School:
School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering

Closing Date: 31/01/2026

Environmental concerns have motivated the shift from traditional thermoplastic materials to bio‑sourced, biodegradable or recyclable polymers such as Poly(lactide) (PLA). The polymer crystallisation process is critical not only to the manufacturing of thermoplastics in determining their physical properties, but also their mechanical recycling where degradation of properties is currently a major issue. Recent technical advances however, challenge our current theoretical understanding of the polymer crystallisation process, as more and more examples of discrepancies between experiment and theory are revealed.

We are looking for a postdoctoral research associate who will take on this challenge in a research project titled “Understanding the Role of Self‑Poisoning in Polymer Crystallisation” funded by Leverhulme Trust. The aim is to develop a new understanding of polymer crystallisation, through both experimental and theoretical studies, to explain quantitatively the many phenomena that classical theories were unable to handle.

Together with other members of the Polymers and Liquid Crystals group, led by Dr. Xiangbing Zeng in the School of Chemical, Mathematical and Biological Engineering, you will be working on either the theoretical or experimental side (depending on your own expertise) of the project, to help us reach this aim.

The research project will test our research hypothesis that crystallisation of polymers is always “poisoned”, that at the growth front there is always a competition between different chain fold lengths and, in most cases, different polymorphs. Unfortunately, most current polymer crystallisation theories fail to recognise the key role of “self‑poisoning”. As a result they are unable to predict/explain the growing body of experimental evidence of its importance.

• PhD in the general field of physics and materials science.
• Very good understanding of the nucleation and growth process of crystals, in polymers or other systems.
• For theoretical work: previous working experience with analytical and numerical methods, Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics simulations.
• For experimental work: working experience with microscopy and diffraction methods for structural characterisation.
• Appreciation of both theoretical and experimental aspects of the project, and the ability to communicate with both theoreticians and experimentalists.

The University of Sheffield offers a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pension scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.

Find out more at  and join us to become part of something special.