Open-Rank Faculty Position in Polymers for Sustainability and Circular Materials

Description Position Description The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM) at The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) invites applications for an exceptional scholar for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor in the area of Polymers for Sustainability and Circular Materials. We seek a strong researcher and educator who will help define the next generation of sustainable polymeric materials and technologies and establish a high-impact, externally funded research program addressing fundamental and technological challenges associated with the global transition toward a circular and low-carbon materials economy. This strategic faculty search is part of UT Dallas’ commitment to advancing transformative research at the intersection of materials innovation, sustainability, energy, manufacturing, and environmental stewardship. We particularly welcome visionary candidates whose research transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries and has the potential to fundamentally change how polymeric materials are designed, manufactured, used, recovered, and regenerated. Research Vision The successful candidate will develop an ambitious research program addressing one or more critical challenges across the polymer lifecycle — from molecular design and synthesis to manufacturing, application, recycling, and end-of-life management. Areas Of Interest Include, But Are Not Limited To Next-generation sustainable and bio-derived polymers Chemical recycling, depolymerization, and polymer upcycling Low-carbon and energy-efficient polymer synthesis Biodegradable, compostable, and environmentally responsive polymers Sustainable polymer composites and nanocomposites High-performance polymers with reduced environmental footprints Sustainable elastomers, coatings, adhesives, and advanced plastics Polymer systems for energy, water, environmental, and biomedical applications Polymer processing and advanced sustainable manufacturing Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data-driven discovery of sustainable polymers Candidates developing fundamentally new approaches to molecular-level control of polymer structure, materials performance, recyclability, degradation, or circularity are especially encouraged to apply. We are particularly interested in researchers who can bridge fundamental polymer science with scalable technologies and real-world sustainability challenges, creating opportunities for partnerships with industry, national laboratories, government agencies, and interdisciplinary research centers. Academic Responsibilities The Successful Candidate Will Establish and sustain an internationally recognized, externally funded research program. Pursue ambitious fundamental and translational research with significant scientific and societal impact. Secure competitive funding from agencies such as the NSF, DOE, NIH, USDA, DOD, EPA, and other appropriate federal and industrial sponsors. Publish influential research in leading journals and disseminate discoveries through major national and international conferences. Teach existing courses in the department and develop innovative graduate and undergraduate courses in polymer science, sustainable materials, materials chemistry, chemical engineering, or related areas. Recruit and mentor outstanding graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and undergraduate researchers. Build interdisciplinary collaborations across engineering, chemistry, materials science, energy, environmental science, computation, and related fields. Contribute to the development of major interdisciplinary initiatives in sustainable materials and circular manufacturing. Engage with industry, national laboratories, government agencies, and other external partners where appropriate. Provide university and professional service and leadership commensurate with rank. The appointment commences for the fall 2027 semester. Qualific…

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