USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellow in Chemistry

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. Refer to official guidelines for acceptable transcripts.
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• Two educational or professional recommendations
• A copy of an abstract or reprint of an article

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

USDA-ARS-NEA-

8/28/2026 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 Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania.

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.

This research primarily focuses on developing value‑added products from low‑value biomass. Biomass can include plant or animal residues or any other waste materials such as food or municipal waste. The research involves extraction and modification of low‑value waste materials and their derivatives. Physical, chemical and instrumental analysis of raw materials and finished products are used to determine the structural characteristics and properties of the compounds.

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will be involved in identification and quantification of the extracted and/or synthesis of modified products with the determination of structural integrity of the compounds. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), GC‑MS, HPLC will be used as the primary tools for structure determination and quantitative analysis of the compounds. In collaboration with the mentor, you will have considerable input on how the project goals will be achieved.

The research is primarily laboratory based, but pilot plant experiments are also conducted.

• Learn to conduct research focused on developing value‑added products from low‑value biomass, including plant and animal residues, food waste, and municipal waste.
• Gain experience in extracting and modifying biomass‑derived materials to create functional derivatives and new products.
• Develop skills in performing physical, chemical, and instrumental analyses to characterize raw materials and finished products.
• Gain hands‑on experience with advanced analytical techniques, including Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), GC‑MS, and HPLC for structural determination and quantitative analysis.
• Participate in both laboratory‑scale and pilot plant experiments.

The mentor for this opportunity is Majher Sarker (majher.sarker). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

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

The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Full time.

Monthly stipend range $6,000–$6,500. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

U.S. citizens only.

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge…