Postdoctoral Research Associate Position at southern Mississippi university (SMU) 2024/2025

About university:
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a respected public research university located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, known for its strong academic programs and research initiatives. Offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, USM is committed to fostering innovation and academic excellence. The university is particularly noted for its programs in marine science, education, and polymer science, with faculty and students actively engaged in groundbreaking research. USM’s supportive campus environment and access to cutting-edge facilities make it an attractive option for students pursuing higher education.
USM offers opportunities for those seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate Position across various disciplines, providing an excellent platform for early-career researchers to further develop their skills. These positions often come with competitive benefits, including salary, health insurance, and access to state-of-the-art research facilities. Postdoctoral Research Associates at USM collaborate with expert faculty on groundbreaking projects, contributing to high-impact research while gaining valuable experience that prepares them for future academic or industry roles. With a strong emphasis on mentorship and professional growth, USM’s Postdoctoral Research Associate Positions are ideal for researchers looking to advance their careers in a supportive and resource-rich environment.

USM also provides several PhD scholarships and PhD positions for graduate students across various fields of study. These fully funded scholarships offer financial support, including tuition waivers, health insurance, and stipends for living expenses, making it easier for students to focus on their research and academic growth. For those seeking scholarship positions, USM’s competitive PhD programs provide excellent opportunities for both domestic and international students. With numerous scholarship positions available, USM is an ideal destination for students looking for fully funded PhD scholarships to advance their research and academic careers.
Job Summary:
The Postdoctoral Research Associate will be responsible for playing a key role in biobased polymer research, focusing on developing and characterizing reprocessable polymeric materials derived from bioderived building blocks. This involves a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to pushing forward cutting-edge polymer science and engineering efforts.
Key responsibilities
- Synthesis of Monomers: Creating monomers such as epoxides, cyclic carbonates, and acrylates from bioderived building blocks.
- Polymerization Techniques: Developing thermoplastics and thermosets via polymerization and reprocessing techniques.
- Characterization of Polymers: Using methods like NMR, FTIR, GPC, TGA, DSC, and DMA to analyze polymer structures and properties.
- Research Dissemination: Reporting results through project reports, peer-reviewed publications, and conference presentations.
- Creative Problem Solving: Leading in the planning and execution of projects, developing research proposals, and ensuring compliance with environmental, health, and safety protocols.
- Mentorship: Training and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
- Collaboration: Working within a broad team of experts and adhering to scientific integrity and best practices.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Polymer Science and Engineering, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, or a closely related field.
- Expertise in multi-step organic synthesis, polymer processing, and polymer characterization.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to mentor and train students in a laboratory setting.
- Highly motivated, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Departments at the university of southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is a public research university offering a broad array of academic programs. Below is an overview of the major departments within the different colleges and schools at USM:
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1. College of Arts and Sciences
This is the largest college at USM, offering a wide variety of programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics.
- Department of Biological Sciences: Provides education in general biology, ecology, molecular biology, and marine science. The department is well-known for its coastal and environmental research.
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry: Focuses on organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry, as well as biochemistry and chemical education.
- Department of Physics and Astronomy: Offers programs in physics, with emphases on astrophysics, nanotechnology, and material science.
- Department of Mathematics: Provides education in pure mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics, as well as actuarial sciences.
- Department of Anthropology and Sociology: Studies cultural, social, and biological aspects of humans, offering tracks in anthropology, sociology, and criminal justice.
- Department of History: Offers courses in American, European, and global history, with specialized programs in public history and archival research.
- Department of English: Provides programs in literature, creative writing, and technical communication.
- Department of Political Science, International Development, and International Affairs: Focuses on political theory, American politics, international relations, and global development.
- Department of Psychology: Provides training in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, experimental psychology, and behavioral science.
- School of Music: One of the largest and most renowned programs at USM, offering degrees in performance, music education, composition, and music therapy.
- School of Performing and Visual Arts: Includes programs in theatre, dance, art, and design, providing education in both creative practice and technical skills.
College of Business and Economic Development
This college focuses on preparing students for careers in business, management, economics, and related fields.
- School of Accountancy: Offers programs in financial, managerial, and forensic accounting, as well as taxation and auditing.
- Department of Finance, Real Estate, and Business Law: Focuses on financial management, investments, real estate development, and business law.
- Department of Marketing: Covers topics such as consumer behavior, advertising, digital marketing, and market research.
- Department of Management: Offers courses in organizational behavior, human resources, and operations management.
- Department of Economic Development: Provides specialized education in economic theory, applied economics, and regional economic development.
- Center for Logistics, Trade, and Transportation: This research and educational center focuses on logistics, supply chain management, and global trade.
3. College of Education and Human Sciences
This college provides programs focused on education, health, and human development.
- School of Child and Family Sciences: Offers programs in child development, family studies, and human services.
- School of Education: Prepares future educators in areas such as early childhood, elementary, secondary, and special education. The school also offers graduate programs in educational leadership and curriculum design.
- Department of Educational Research and Administration: Offers graduate programs in educational leadership, school administration, and higher education administration.
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition: Provides programs in exercise science, sports coaching, physical education, and nutrition.
- Department of Public Health: Focuses on community health, epidemiology, healthcare administration, and public health policy.
- School of Social Work: Offers training in social work practice, social justice, and human behavior.
4. College of Nursing and Health Professions
This college is dedicated to preparing students for healthcare professions, focusing on nursing, medical technology, and rehabilitation services.
- School of Nursing: Offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in nursing, with specializations in family nurse practitioner, psychiatric nurse practitioner, and nurse education.
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science: Prepares students for careers in medical diagnostics, clinical laboratory science, and healthcare technology.
- School of Speech and Hearing Sciences: Focuses on communication disorders, speech-language pathology, and audiology.
- Department of Athletic Training: Provides education in sports medicine, injury prevention, and rehabilitation for athletes.
- Department of Public Health: Offers programs in public health policy, epidemiology, and health promotion.
5. College of Arts and Letters
This college combines liberal arts programs in communication, social sciences, and creative fields.
- Department of Communication Studies: Focuses on interpersonal, organizational, and public communication, as well as media studies and public relations.
- Department of Journalism: Offers programs in news writing, media production, broadcasting, and mass communication.
- Department of Foreign Languages and Literature: Provides instruction in multiple languages, including Spanish, French, and German, as well as courses in cultural studies and translation.
- School of Humanities: Includes the departments of History, Philosophy, and Religion, with programs that emphasize critical thinking and cultural awareness.
6. College of Health
Focused on preparing students for careers in health sciences, this college offers a range of programs across different health-related disciplines.
- Department of Human Performance and Recreation: Provides education in sports science, recreation management, and physical fitness.
- School of Psychology: Offers clinical psychology, school psychology, and behavior analysis programs.
- Department of Nutrition and Food Systems: Focuses on food security, nutrition, dietetics, and public health.
7. College of Marine Sciences
USM has a renowned marine science program, particularly focused on coastal and oceanic research, with access to the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
- Department of Marine Science: Provides education in oceanography, marine biology, and coastal ecology, with a focus on environmental sustainability and conservation.
- Center for Fisheries Research and Development: Conducts research on fishery science, aquatic resource management, and marine biodiversity.
- Department of Hydrographic Science: Specializes in mapping and charting ocean floor topography, focusing on oceanographic surveying and remote sensing.
8. Honors College
The Honors College provides an enriched educational experience for high-achieving students across all majors. It emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, research, and leadership development.
9. Graduate School
The Graduate School at USM offers a wide range of master’s and doctoral programs in many disciplines, including science, humanities, business, education, and the arts.
USM is known for its strong emphasis on research, particularly in the areas of marine science, polymer science, and education, providing students with a wide array of academic opportunities across multiple disciplines.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated success in creative research with a strong publication record in top-tier journals.
- Familiarity with epoxy-amine and polyurethane materials, photopolymerization, or additive manufacturing.
This position provides a fantastic opportunity for postdoctoral candidates looking to further their research career in polymer science, particularly in the context of developing sustainable, reprocessable materials.
The School of Polymer Science and Engineering at the University of Southern Mississippi invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in polymer science and engineering. This position offers an opportunity to work on a collaborative research project with the University of Delaware and the US Army DEVCOM Chemical Biological Center. The project involves developing biobased building blocks for reprocessable polymeric materials. The position is under the supervision of Professor Derek Patton and involves significant research responsibilities with the potential for high-impact results.
Application Details
Applicants are required to submit the following:
- Cover letter summarizing the candidate’s research experience and interest in the position.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Contact information for three references.
How to Apply:
Applications should be submitted online through the University of Southern Mississippi Job Portal, referencing Job Number: req4312. Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue until the position is filled.
USM also provides several PhD scholarships and PhD positions for graduate students across various fields of study. These fully funded scholarships offer financial support, including tuition waivers, health insurance, and stipends for living expenses, making it easier for students to focus on their research and academic growth. For those seeking scholarship positions, USM’s competitive PhD programs provide excellent opportunities for both domestic and international students. With numerous scholarship positions available, USM is an ideal destination for students looking for fully funded PhD scholarships to advance their research and academic careers.
There are many other fully funded PhD scholarships and position at LSU. You can also check the specific PhD opportunity/position/fully funded scholarship on the university website. You can also check other PhD scholarships position in the mentioned department. This is an excellent scholarship opportunity for those who are searching for fully funded scholarship/fully funded PhD position. Different department may have different scholarships and PhD positions.
The review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
This postdoctoral opportunity offers a chance to contribute to sustainable polymer research, engage in impactful collaborations, and advance both your professional skills and scientific knowledge. For more information or to apply, please visit the University of Southern Mississippi Job Portal and reference Job Number: req4312.
Online Application
Online Application details : https://www.usm.edu/graduate-admissions/international-admissions/index.php
University site: https://www.usm.edu/university/research.php
The review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
This postdoctoral opportunity offers a chance to contribute to sustainable polymer research, engage in impactful collaborations, and advance both your professional skills and scientific knowledge. For more information or to apply, please visit the University of Southern Mississippi Job Portal. There are many other fully funded PhD scholarships and position at LSU. You can also check the specific PhD opportunity/position/fully funded scholarship on the university website. You can also check other PhD scholarships position in the mentioned department. This is an excellent scholarship opportunity for those who are searching for fully funded scholarship/fully funded PhD position. Different department may have different scholarships and PhD positions.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
1. What is the main focus of the Postdoctoral Research Associate position?
The focus is on the development of biobased building blocks for reprocessable polymeric materials, which includes the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of polymers from bioderived sources.
2. Who will the postdoc work under, and what kind of collaboration is involved?
The postdoc will work under the guidance of Professor Derek Patton in the School of Polymer Science and Engineering at the University of Southern Mississippi. The project is a collaborative effort with the University of Delaware and the US Army DEVCOM Chemical Biological Center.
3. What qualifications are required for this position?
Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in Polymer Science and Engineering, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, or a closely related field. Experience in organic synthesis, polymer characterization, and polymer processing is also required.
4. What documents are needed for the application?
Applicants must submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references.
5. How should applications be submitted?
Applications should be submitted through the University of Southern Mississippi Job Portal under Job Number: req4312.
6. Are there preferred qualifications that make a candidate more competitive?
Yes, preferred qualifications include an excellent research track record, experience with epoxy-amine and polyurethane materials, photopolymerization, or additive manufacturing. Candidates with strong publication records will be more competitive.
7. What type of research will the postdoc be conducting?
The research involves the synthesis, polymerization, and characterization of bioderived monomers and polymers. The postdoc will also engage in creative problem-solving, proposal development, and dissemination of research findings through publications and conferences.
8. What polymer characterization techniques are expected to be used in the project?
Techniques include NMR, FTIR, GPC, TGA, DSC, DMA, and mechanical testing methods to analyze polymer properties.
9. What are the mentorship responsibilities for the postdoc?
The postdoc will be responsible for mentoring and training graduate and undergraduate students and managing laboratory equipment and processes.
10. When will the review of applications begin, and how long will it continue?
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