Postdoctoral Researcher and PhD Student Positions in Surface Engineering, Protective Textiles, and Polymer Coatings at the University of Maine University of Maine in United States

The University of Maine is advertising two openings in the Wettability and Interfacial Surface Engineering (WISE) Lab led by Dr. Xiaoxiao Zhao in the Department of Mechanical Engineering: a fully funded Postdoctoral Researcher position and a fully funded PhD student position.

The research theme is surface engineering for durable, PFAS-free, liquid-repellent surface finishes aimed at next-generation chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) protective clothing. This is a strong fit for applicants interested in materials science, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, polymer science, chemistry, textile engineering, interfacial science, coatings, wettability, and protective textiles.

Postdoctoral position: Applicants should hold a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Textile Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related field. Strong background in surface modification, polymer coatings, interfacial science, wettability, textile finishing, or materials characterization is expected. Preferred experience includes silane/sol-gel chemistry, XPS/FTIR/AFM/SEM, contact angle analysis, abrasion testing, or protective textile evaluation. The role includes experimental research, data analysis, manuscript preparation, grant support, presentations, and mentoring students.

PhD position: Applicants should have a B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Textile Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field. Prior experience in coatings, plasma treatment, polymer chemistry, contact angle measurement, microscopy, spectroscopy, or textile testing is preferred but not required. International applicants must meet the University of Maine graduate admission English proficiency requirements.

Funding: The postdoc is fully funded with an annual salary of $60,000 plus benefits, initially for one year with possible renewal. The PhD position is also fully funded through an externally funded research project.

How to apply: Email Dr. Xiaoxiao Zhao at [email protected] with the correct subject line: "Postdoc Application - Your Name" or "PhD Application - Your Name". Include the requested documents listed in the announcement. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.