Doctoral position on molecular engineering of dynamic covalent hydrogels

Job description This doctoral project has two main, interrelated thrusts. In the first, the student will synthesize and characterize a broad library of model DCHs spanning a range of dynamic covalent chemistries (boronate ester, hydrazone, imine, and disulfide bonds) and network architectures (ideal, real, and interpenetrating networks). The student will quantify the equilibrium binding constants, binding thermodynamics, and reaction kinetics of the reversible cross-links using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), NMR spectroscopy (including 2D EXSY), and UV-vis/fluorescence techniques, and relate these to the macroscale rheological properties measured by shear rheometry and nano-indentation. A key and largely unexplored question is how the macromolecular nature of the binding partners — as opposed to small-molecule analogues — influences binding behavior and network mechanics, which the student will investigate systematically. In the second thrust, the student will develop theoretical and computational frameworks, in close collaboration with Prof. Vlasios Mavrantzas (a collaborator in the lab), to capture entropy-driven network-scale effects and refine rubber elasticity models for dynamic networks. Complementary studies of non-linear flow behavior using shear rheometry and microfluidic flow cells will provide insight into DCH processability for injectable biomaterial design. The doctoral student will work in close collaboration with and be supported by an interdisciplinary team of doctoral students and postdocs working on related topics. In addition to research, the PhD candidate is expected to contribute to lab duties and will have the opportunity to contribute to teaching within the group, including student supervision, lecture support, and practical courses in the lab.

Job description

This doctoral project has two main, interrelated thrusts. In the first, the student will synthesize and characterize a broad library of model DCHs spanning a range of dynamic covalent chemistries (boronate ester, hydrazone, imine, and disulfide bonds) and network architectures (ideal, real, and interpenetrating networks). The student will quantify the equilibrium binding constants, binding thermodynamics, and reaction kinetics of the reversible cross-links using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), NMR spectroscopy (including 2D EXSY), and UV-vis/fluorescence techniques, and relate these to the macroscale rheological properties measured by shear rheometry and nano-indentation. A key and largely unexplored question is how the macromolecular nature of the binding partners — as opposed to small-molecule analogues — influences binding behavior and network mechanics, which the student will investigate systematically. In the second thrust, the student will develop theoretical and computational frameworks, in close collaboration with Prof. Vlasios Mavrantzas (a collaborator in the lab), to capture entropy-driven network-scale effects and refine rubber elasticity models for dynamic networks. Complementary studies of non-linear flow behavior using shear rheometry and microfluidic flow cells will provide insight into DCH processability for injectable biomaterial design. The doctoral student will work in close collaboration with and be supported by an interdisciplinary team of doctoral students and postdocs working on related topics. In addition to research, the PhD candidate is expected to contribute to lab duties and will have the opportunity to contribute to teaching within the group, including student supervision, lecture support, and practical courses in the lab.

This doctoral project has two main, interrelated thrusts. In the first, the student will synthesize and characterize a broad library of model DCHs spanning a range of dynamic covalent chemistries (boronate ester, hydrazone, imine, and disulfide bonds) and network architectures (ideal, real, and interpenetrating networks). The student will quantify the equilibrium binding constants, binding thermodynamics, and reaction kinetics of the reversible cross-links using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), NMR spectroscopy (including 2D EXSY), and UV-vis/fluorescence techniques, and relate these to the macroscale rheological properties measured by shear rheometry and nano-indentation. A key and largely unexplored question is how the macromolecular nature of the binding partners — as opposed to small-molecule analogues — influences binding behavior and network mechanics, which the student will investigate systematically. In the second thrust, the student will develop theoretical and computational frameworks, in close collaboration with Prof. Vlasios Mavrantzas (a collaborator in the lab), to capture entropy-driven network-scale effects and refine rubber elasticity models for dynamic networks. Complementary studies of non-linear flow behavior using shear rheometry and microfluidic flow cells will provide insight into DCH processability for injectable biomaterial design.

The doctoral student will work in close collaboration with and be supported by an interdisciplinary team of doctoral students and postdocs working on related topics. In addition to research, the PhD candidate is expected to contribute to lab duties and will have the opportunity to contribute to teaching within the group, including student supervision, lecture support, and practical courses in the lab.