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

October 21, 2026

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

306- - Postdoctoral Research Associate

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

Faculty (+) (Fixed Term)

12 Month

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 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.

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 .

This is a full time (100% FTE), temporary position. This position is overtime eligible.

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.

$62,232.00 to $70,344.00 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications

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

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Wood Science, Chemistry, Polymer…