USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Commodity Utilization Research

How to Apply

To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.

• An application
• Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted.  for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• Two educational or professional recommendations

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

USDA-ARS-SEA-

9/25/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

• Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.

A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. ARS will deliver cutting‑edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well‑being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources;

and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture. The vision of the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will engage in research focused on the analysis of cottonseed oils and bio‑based products relevant to cottonseed. The research will utilize laboratory‑based conventional organic chemistry and materials science techniques to design, synthesize, develop and test novel products derived from cotton biomass, and develop chemical modifications of cottonseed components for production of bio‑based products. The research will also include analysis of cottonseed processing products (cottonseed oil, protein, meal and hull), including raw and refined oils, resulting from experimental projects to improve product quality and support new uses for cottonseed.

You will be a part of and gain training in a collaborative, multi‑disciplinary research program incorporating chemical, biochemical, and engineering analyses aimed at development of novel biobased marketable goods from cottonseed processing co‑products.

When completed, you will have a thorough understanding of cottonseed processing techniques, and sustainable materials development, with opportunities to present research findings to stakeholders and academic conferences. This experience will provide hands‑on learning in a multi‑disciplinary team environment and exposure to research objectives aimed at solving challenges related to cottonseed processing and development of value‑added biobased products. You will develop and implement skills utilizing organic chemistry, materials science, and technical competencies in advanced sample‑preparation workflows and analytical techniques.

• Fractionation and purification of biomass into isolatable compounds for downstream development into products.
• Data organization and data management skills.
• Utilizing analytical instrumentation to support characterization of chemical modifications to solid materials, oils, and heterogeneous product mixtures.
• Understanding biological and chemical aspects of cottonseed composition, processing, and utilization including oils, proteins, lignocellulose biomass, and extractables.
• Developing scientific communication skills through contributions to presentations and manuscripts suitable for publication.

Jacobs Jordan (jacobs.jordan)

2026. The start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed…