Postdoctoral Research Associate | Bioproducts, Sciences & Engineering Laboratory (BSEL) | Richland, WA

Washington State University • Richland, WA

1d • $62,232 - $70,344 • Onsite

About The Position

The Plant Macromolecular Research Group in Bioproducts, Sciences, and Engineering Laboratory (BSEL) at Washington State University Tri Cities invites applications for a full-time, twelve-month, fixed-term postdoctoral research associate appointment in Richland, WA, with a specialty in biomass processing, wood chemistry, fiber science, polymer/materials engineering, and sustainable product development. This position offers an exciting opportunity to develop independent research expertise, interdisciplinary collaborations, publications, and industry-relevant technologies while contributing to the development of next-generation materials from renewable biomass. In the postdoctoral research associate role, you will join a multidisciplinary research team working at the interface of biomass processing, wood chemistry, fiber science, polymer/materials engineering, and sustainable product development. You will contribute to developing innovative, economically viable processes to convert renewable biomass resources—including wood, agricultural residues, and other lignocellulosic feedstocks into high-value cellulose fibers, lignin-derived materials, biobased polymers, foams, coatings, adhesives, and other advanced materials. As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will also apply experimental research, materials characterization, process development, and data analysis to address fundamental and applied challenges in biomass valorization. Depending on the project, responsibilities may include developing and optimizing biomass fractionation and pulping processes; producing and modifying cellulose fibers and lignin-derived materials; developing fiber-based and polymeric materials; evaluating material structure and performance.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Wood Science, Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated research experience in biomass conversion, lignocellulosic materials, polymers, fibers, or related areas.
• Strong skills in experimental design, laboratory research, data analysis, and scientific writing.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Strong oral and written communication and organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with wood, cellulose, lignin, or lignocellulosic biomass processing.
• Experience in pulping/fractionation, fiber development, lignin valorization, or biobased materials.
• Experience with polymer processing, composites, foams, coatings, or adhesives.
• Familiarity with relevant materials and chemical characterization techniques.
• Experience with process scale-up, techno-economic analysis, life-cycle assessment, or industrial collaboration.
• A strong record of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Responsibilities

• Developing and optimizing biomass fractionation and pulping processes
• Producing and modifying cellulose fibers and lignin-derived materials
• Developing fiber-based and polymeric materials
• Evaluating material structure and performance

Benefits

• Paid sick and vacation leave
• Paid holidays
• Medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents
• Retirement
• Deferred compensation
• Optional supplemental retirement accounts

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree