Postdoctoral Research Associate — Biochar Composite Materials

BioBuilt Technologies; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Biobuilt Technologies seeks a postdoctoral researcher to lead applied R&D, focusing on materials formulation, processing optimization, and performance testing for environmental applications. The role is on-site at a federal research facility in Madison, WI, within a collaboration between Biobuilt Technologies and the host institution.

The candidate will design experiments, fabricate samples, and characterize materials using SEM, XRD, and thermal analysis, coordinating with external labs for

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry or related field.
• Hands-on experience with thermal materials processing (e.g., pyrolysis, carbonization, sintering).
• Experience with materials characterization techniques (SEM, XRD, thermal analysis, surface area analysis).
• Strong written communication skills for technical reporting.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments evaluating material formulations and processing parameters to improve product performance and cost-effectiveness.
• Develop and fabricate material samples across formulations and geometries for internal evaluation and third-party testing.
• Characterize material properties using standard techniques (e.g., SEM, XRD, thermal analysis, surface area analysis).
• Coordinate with external third-party testing laboratories for performance validation.
• Maintain detailed lab notebooks and prepare technical reports summarizing experimental results.
• Collaborate with host facility staff on equipment use, safety protocols, and scheduling.
• Support documentation of research outcomes, including IP-related findings.

Skills

Thermal materials processing

Materials characterization

Scientific writing

Lab collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science/Chemical/Environmental Eng/ Chemistry

Tools

SEM

XRD

Thermal analysis

Surface area analysis

Job description

About the Role

Biobuilt Technologies holds rights to a biochar-based composite materials technology developed in collaboration with a USDA research facility. We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to lead applied R&D advancing this technology platform, with a focus on materials formulation, processing optimization, and performance testing for environmental applications. This position will be based on-site at a federal research facility in Madison, WI, working within shared laboratory facilities and equipment under a research collaboration agreement between Biobuilt Technologies and the host institution. The researcher will be a full-time employee of Biobuilt Technologies, not a federal employee.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments evaluating material formulations and processing parameters to improve product performance and cost-effectiveness
• Develop and fabricate material samples across a range of formulations and physical shapes/geometries for internal evaluation and third-party testing
• Characterize material properties using standard techniques (e.g., SEM, surface area analysis, XRD, thermal analysis, mechanical testing)
• Coordinate with external third-party testing laboratories for performance validation
• Maintain detailed lab notebooks and prepare technical reports summarizing experimental results
• Collaborate professionally with host facility staff on equipment use, safety protocols, and scheduling
• Support documentation of research outcomes, including any findings relevant to intellectual property

Qualifications Required

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related field
• Hands‑on experience with thermal materials processing (e.g., pyrolysis, carbonization, sintering, or similar)
• Experience with materials characterization techniques (SEM, XRD, thermal analysis, surface area analysis)
• Strong written communication skills for technical reporting

Preferred

• Prior research experience with porous carbon materials, biomass‑derived materials, or related composites
• Experience with environmental remediation, filtration, or adsorption studies
• Familiarity with natural/bio‑based binders
• Experience working in shared or user‑facility laboratory environments

Compensation & Terms

• Competitive salary
• Fixed‑term appointment, 3-6 months, with possibility of renewal/extension
• This is an industry‑employed position (employed by Biobuilt Technologies Ltd.), working on‑site at a partner research facility; the researcher will not be a federal employee

Biobuilt Technologies is an equal opportunity employer.