Post-Doctoral Associate

GlycoData; Minnesota; On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays

Generous time off

Medical and dental plans

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

A major research institution is seeking a Post-Doctoral Associate with a Ph.D. in a relevant field to engage in biomass conversion and develop biobased materials. Candidates should demonstrate strong laboratory research experience and possess skills in advanced characterization techniques. This position offers competitive wages, medical benefits, and continuous learning opportunities.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. must be completed by the start date.
• Demonstrated experience in laboratory research.
• Strong writing skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Work on lignin plasma conversion.
• Catalytic upgrading of biomass.
• Develop biobased materials.

Skills

Biomass conversion

Lignin chemistry

Catalysis

Advanced characterization techniques

Proposal development

Grant writing

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related fields

Tools

NMR

FTIR

GC–MS

HPLC

BET

SEM/TEM

Job description

Post-Doctoral Associate – University of Minnesota

Location: Twin Cities, MN

Posted on: October 02, 2025

Description:

• 40% on lignin plasma conversion
• 40% on catalytic upgrading of biomass
• 20% on biobased material development

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Environmental Engineering, or related fields (degree must be completed by start date).
• Strong background in biomass conversion, lignin chemistry, or catalysis.
• Demonstrated experience in laboratory research, including design, execution, and analysis of experiments.
• Proven ability to communicate research findings through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Plasma chemistry application in biomass conversion.
  • Catalytic upgrading of lignin (e.g., hydrotreating, hydrodeoxygenation).
  • Nanomaterials preparation from biomass
  • Biobased materials from cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin.
  • Biochar production and characterization.
• Skills in advanced characterization techniques (e.g., NMR, FTIR, GC–MS, HPLC, BET, SEM/TEM).
• Knowledge of techno-economic analysis (TEA) or life cycle assessment (LCA) of biomass-derived products.
• Strong writing skills and prior experience in proposal development or grant writing.
• Demonstrated interest in sustainable agriculture, circular bioeconomy, and renewable fuels/materials.

About the Department

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

How To Apply

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [e-mail] or call [phone].