Postdoctoral Scholar - Macromolecular Science & Engineering

Kent Hale Smith Bldg, Macromolecular Science and Engineering

Oct 07, 2026

The Postdoctoral Scholar will conduct research under the direction of a faculty Principal Investigator , Professor Hatsuo Ishida, within the Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering. In this position, the researcher will be involved in two major subjects at 50% each effort levels. The first area is to develop an aerogel that has liUle or no oxygen concentration sensitivity upon flaming.

Synthesis of the resin to be used, manufacturing of aerogel samples, and molecular and flammability evaluations are all in the scope of this project. The second area is to develop ultra-high performance thermal resistant polymers beyond the best commercially available polymers. Creative synthesis capability to develop extremely thermally resistant polymers is essential. Properties that show Tg above 500oC, heat release capacity of much less than 100 J/g.K,

flexural modulus of above 40 GPa are some of the targeted properties.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Conduct experimental, computational, or theoretical research aligned with funded projects goals. Design and execute research methods with guidance from the Principal Inves=gator, Professor Hatsuo Ishida. (50 % effort) 2. Collect, analyze, and interpret research data;
Maintain accurate research records and documentation in compliance with university, sponsor and regulatory requirements. (20 % effort) 3. Prepare research results for publication, reports, and presentations; contribute to manuscripts, conference papers, and grant progress reports (10 % effort) 4. Contribute to the preparation of grant proposals, including literature reviews, methods and preliminary data. (10 % effort) 5. Train and mentor graduate and undergraduate students in research methods, laboratory protocols, and safety procedures as appropriate (10 % effort)

SALARY AND BENEFITS In compliance with the City of Cleveland's Pay Transparency Ordinance (effective October 27, 2025), the annual starting base salary range for this position is from $55,000 - $63,480. CWRU considers factors such as (but not limited to) the specific grant funding and the terms of the research grant, as well as the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal peer equity.

University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, and paid time off.

Education - PhD or other terminal degree in engineering or a closely related field and Experience - 0-3 years of post-degree research experience

REQUIRED SKILLS
1. Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research within a defined project scope.
2. Knowledge of research methods, data analysis techniques, and scientific writing appropriate to the field of specialization.
3. Ability ton maintain accurate research records and comply with university, sponsor, and regulatory requirements.
4. Excellent wriUen and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare manuscripts, reports, and presentations.
5. Ability to work collaboratively in a team research environment with faculty, staff, and students.
6. Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.
7. Ability to demonstrate successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
8. Ability to meet consistent aUendance requirements.
9. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and collaborators face to face.

PREFERRED SKILLS Organic synthesis, polymer synthesis, spectroscopic (NMR, FT-IR), thermal (DSC, TGA) and chromatographic characterization capability and their interpretation knowledge

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

May provide training or mentorship to students and research staff

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory and research environment. May have exposure to hazards. Synthesis involves usual solvents, primary amines and phenolic derivatives. However, carcinogen, formaldehyde, is an essential ingredient of the benzoxazine synthesis. Work is conducted all indoors within the Ishida labs in both synthesis and characterization labs. It does not require traveling,…