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

wsu; Richland (WA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

Paid vacation

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

Washington State University Tri-Cities in Richland, WA, invites applications for a full-time, twelve-month, fixed-term Postdoctoral Research Associate position in Biomass processing and polymer/materials engineering. You will join the Plant Macromolecular Research Group (BSEL) to develop independent research, collaborations, and publications while advancing sustainable products from renewable biomass.

Responsibilities include experimental design, data analysis, and translating biomass

Qualifications

• 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.

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

Skills

Experimental design

Laboratory research

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Wood Science, Chemistry, Polymer Science, or closely related field

Job description

Available Title(s)

306-YY_FACULTY - Postdoctoral Research Associate

Business Title

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

Employee Type

Faculty (+) (Fixed Term)

Position Term

12 Month

The Opportunity

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.

• 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

WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes 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. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for Faculty and Total Compensation. For information or questions about Benefits, please contact HRS Benefits at 509-335-4521.

Additional Information

This is a full time (100% FTE), temporary position. This position is overtime eligible.

Appointment Duration : this temporary position is expected to start on December 1, 2026, and end on November 30, 2027 . Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

Annual Salary: $62,232.00 to $70,344.00 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110 , the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes 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. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for Faculty and Total Compensation .

Postdoctoral 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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