Postdoctoral Researcher / Research Scientist in Polymer Rheology and Processing | King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Job Description

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) invites applications for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher or Research Scientist in Polymer Rheology and Processing to join a dynamic research group. This position sits at the intersection of fundamental polymer physics, materials science, and industrially relevant processing.

Position Overview:
The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in executing high-impact, industrially funded projects focused on next-generation advanced functional polymer systems. The role focuses on understanding structure–rheology–processability relationships, specifically focusing on interfacial phenomena, multilayer architectures, and preservation of delicate micro- and nanostructures during macroscopic extrusion.

Key Objectives:

• Establish processing–structure–property relationships: Understand how melt and solid-state rheology impact functional and mechanical performance of complex polymer composites
• Advance interfacial rheology: Investigate adhesion, layer stability, and morphology evolution in multiphase and multilayer systems
• Enable advanced manufacturing: Translate quantitative rheological data into predictive designs for scalable processing technologies (thermal drawing, co-extrusion, compounding)
• Bridge physics and application: Process and encapsulate functional micro-structures within robust polymer matrices without compromising physical integrity

Responsibilities:

• Lead cutting-edge research in polymer rheology and processing science aligned with KAUST goals and industrial partner milestones
• Design and execute rigorous experiments on bulk and interfacial rheology, nonlinear viscoelastic behavior, and extensional and shear flow dynamics
• Develop insights into interfacial stability, flow instabilities, and morphology control in multiphase and multilayer systems
• Support and optimize advanced polymer processing (polymer preform fabrication, fiber drawing, high-shear matrix compounding, thin-film extrusion)
• Correlate rheological behavior with processability (drawability, spinnability, film uniformity) and final macroscopic material performance
• Work closely with multidisciplinary team of materials scientists, chemists, and industrial process engineers
• Publish high-impact research, contribute to intellectual property generation, and deliver technical reports to industrial stakeholders

Why Join KAUST:

• Work at the forefront of polymer science in a world-class research environment
• Directly contribute to sustainable, next-generation technologies solving real-world industrial challenges
• Bridge fundamental science with immediate industrial impact through collaboration with a global industry leader
• Collaborate with leading experts across materials science, physics, and advanced manufacturing

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Polymer Science, Polymer Engineering, Materials Science, or closely related field
• Strong, demonstrated expertise in polymer rheology (experimental and/or computational) and polymer physics/viscoelasticity
• Hands-on experience in polymer processing technologies (extrusion, compounding, or fiber spinning)
• Proven ability to connect molecular structure to rheological behavior, processability, and final macroscopic properties
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

Preferred Expertise:

• Experience with interfacial rheology and multiphase polymer systems
• Familiarity with multilayer co-extrusion, thermal fiber drawing, or functional thin-film processing
• Knowledge of thermal and rheological behaviors of industrial thermoplastics (polyolefins, engineering plastics)
• Background in computational or analytical modeling of fluid/flow behavior during melt processing
• Previous experience working on industrially funded projects or in technology-transfer environments

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong analytical thinking with ability to interpret complex thermomechanical datasets
• Hands-on experimental mindset with proactive, execution-driven attitude
• Proven track record working effectively in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams

Application Deadline: November 17, 2026

Location: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia