Dr Sam Parkinson

ECDN Rep for the School of Chemistry

What is your academic background and your current research field? 

I’m a chemist by training and received my PhD at the University of Leeds. My research focused on the development of autonomous continuous flow platforms capable of optimising the synthesis of polymeric materials, and I’m specialised in the synthesis of polymer nanomaterials via controlled radical polymerisation. I joined the School of Chemistry in July 2020 as a Research Fellow. My research interest shifted towards the development of degradable polymeric materials and my current work revolves around the design and synthesis of degradable polymeric nanomaterials. 

What is your role as a ECDN Rep and how can postdocs in your school contact you? 

As a ECDN Rep from the School of Chemistry, I want to promote an open environment for discussing all the different experiences and concerns related to Postdocs and ECRs. Please feel free to contact me via S.J.Parkinson@bham.ac.uk and I’m happy to arrange a meet-up over a tea or coffee.

What do you feel are the benefits of the ECDN programme for postdocs and what do you feel have been the benefits to you from being a postdoc rep?

The wide variety of training sessions and workshops run by ECDN offer excellent chances to develop skills to aid career development. The ECDN programme and the annual ECDN conference provide a great opportunity to build a supportive community composed of different research backgrounds.