Washington State University
6 days ago
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Biomass Processing, Wood Chemistry, Fiber Science, and Polymer/Materials Engineering Washington State University in United States
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Full-time, 12-month fixed-term postdoctoral appointment with an annual salary of $62,232 to $70,344, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Renewal depends on extension need and/or additional funding. Benefits include paid leave, holidays, medical/dental/life/disability insurance, retirement, and supplemental retirement options.
Deadline
Oct 21, 2026
Country
United States
University
Washington State University

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About this position
Washington State University is recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Bioproducts, Sciences, and Engineering Laboratory (BSEL) at WSU Tri-Cities in Richland, Washington, United States.
This full-time, 12-month fixed-term postdoctoral role sits in the Plant Macromolecular Research Group and focuses on biomass processing, wood chemistry, fiber science, polymer/materials engineering, and sustainable product development. The research aims to convert renewable biomass resources such as wood, agricultural residues, and other lignocellulosic feedstocks into high-value cellulose fibers, lignin-derived materials, biobased polymers, foams, coatings, adhesives, and other advanced materials.
Responsibilities include experimental research, materials characterization, process development, and data analysis. Depending on the project, the postdoc may work on biomass fractionation and pulping, cellulose fiber production and modification, lignin valorization, fiber-based and polymeric materials development, and evaluation of material structure and performance.
Eligibility highlights: applicants should hold a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Wood Science, Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a closely related field. The post also asks for demonstrated research experience in biomass conversion, lignocellulosic materials, polymers, fibers, or related areas, plus strong experimental, analytical, and scientific writing skills. Preferred experience includes wood/cellulose/lignin processing, polymer processing, composites, foams, coatings, adhesives, characterization techniques, scale-up, techno-economic analysis, life-cycle assessment, or industrial collaboration.
Funding and benefits: salary is listed at $62,232–$70,344 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The appointment is temporary and renewal depends on extension needs and/or additional funding. WSU also provides a benefits package including paid leave, holidays, medical, dental, life and disability insurance, and retirement options.
How to apply: submit the application online through Workday with a CV, cover letter, research/scholarship/creative activity statement, and contact information for at least three references. The deadline is 2026-10-21. Questions may be directed to Dr. Xiao Zhang at [email protected].
Funding details
Full-time, 12-month fixed-term postdoctoral appointment with an annual salary of $62,232 to $70,344, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Renewal depends on extension need and/or additional funding. Benefits include paid leave, holidays, medical/dental/life/disability insurance, retirement, and supplemental retirement options.
What's required
Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Wood Science, Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a closely related field. Applicants should have demonstrated research experience in biomass conversion, lignocellulosic materials, polymers, fibers, or related areas, along with strong skills in experimental design, laboratory research, data analysis, and scientific writing. Candidates must be able to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment and have strong oral/written communication and organizational skills. Preferred experience includes wood, cellulose, lignin, or lignocellulosic biomass processing; pulping/fractionation, fiber development, lignin valorization, or biobased materials; polymer processing, composites, foams, coatings, or adhesives; relevant materials and chemical characterization; process scale-up, techno-economic analysis, life-cycle assessment, or industrial collaboration.
How to apply
Apply online through the Workday portal and submit a CV, cover letter, research/scholarship/creative activity statement, and contact information for at least three references. Review the applicant instructions carefully and upload documents as PDF if possible. Direct inquiries to Dr. Xiao Zhang by email.
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