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

** 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  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 feed stocks 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 and. For information or questions about Benefits, please contact HRS Benefits at .
** 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, 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 and .
** Postdoctoral Requirements:
** For detailed information on eligibility for postdoctoral appointments, please visit:
*
* 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…