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

Washington State University; Richland (WA); Sur place; USD 62 000 - 70 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Comprehensive benefits package

Résumé du poste

Washington State University invites applications for a full-time, twelve-month Postdoctoral Research Associate position in Richland, WA. The role focuses on biomass processing, wood chemistry, and sustainable product development within the BSEL lab, offering independent research opportunities and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The candidate will develop and optimize biomass processing, produce cellulose fibers and lignin-derived materials, and analyze material structure for performance.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant field, as listed.
• Demonstrated research experience in biomass conversion and lignocellulosic materials.
• Strong skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing.
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong oral and written communication and organizational skills.

Responsabilités

• Develop and optimize biomass fractionation and pulping processes.
• Produce and modify cellulose fibers and lignin-derived materials.
• Develop fiber-based and polymeric materials; assess structure and performance.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on biomass valorization projects.

Connaissances

Demonstrated research experience in Bi

Experimental design

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Independent and collaborative work

Communication and organizational

Formation

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

Description du poste

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:

October 21, 2026

If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

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

Position Details:

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.

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

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:

For detailed information on eligibility for postdoctoral appointments, please visit: WSU/UAW Postdoctoral Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Required 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.
• 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 and conference presentations.
  

Position Sponsorship Eligibility:

May be eligible for work visa sponsorship

Area/College:

WSU-Tri Cities

Department Name:

Bioproducts, Sciences, and Engineering Laboratory (BSEL)

Location:

Richland, WA

Contact for inquiries:

Dr. Xiao Zhang, [e-mail]

Background Check:

This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Union Representation:

This position is represented exclusively by Postdocs United/United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Information regarding the Union and the CBA is available on WSU Labor Relations website.

Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), 509-335-1259(f), or [e-mail].

Notice of Non-Discrimination

In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract.

Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both.

More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/