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

Available Title(s):

Business Title:

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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.

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: 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

Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.

1) Curriculum Vitae
2) Cover Letter

3) Research/Scholarship/Creative Activity statement that outlines your scholarly work and includes your future plans. 

4) Names, addresses, and contact information of at least three references who can address your history of and potential for excellence in research (letters will be requested at a later time)

External candidates, upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application.

Current WSU Employees (internal candidates), before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday. Internal candidates, upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your applicat.
All candidates, documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.

Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.

Contact for inquiries:  Dr. Xiao Zhang, [email protected]

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 the WSU Labor Relations website.

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 the 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), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or [email protected].

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.

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