"Post-Doctoral Associate"

Job Details

About the Job

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team in advancing next-generation biomass utilization technologies. This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, and environmental engineering, contributing to the development of sustainable fuels, chemicals, and materials. The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment, publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, present at conferences, and contribute to proposal development.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in biomass conversion, lignin chemistry, or catalysis, and demonstrated expertise in laboratory-scale experimentation, data analysis, and scholarly communication. Experience with plasma chemistry, catalytic lignin upgrading, nanomaterial synthesis, biobased materials, and biochar characterization will be highly valued, along with proficiency in advanced analytical techniques such as NMR, FTIR, GC–MS, HPLC, BET, and electron microscopy. The incoming postdoc will work closely with the PI to use multidisciplinary approaches to upgrade lignocellulosic biomass, especially lignin, into value-added products.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• 40% on lignin plasma conversion
• 40% on catalytic upgrading of biomass
• 20% on biobased material development

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Environmental Engineering, or related fields (degree must be completed by start date).
• Strong background in biomass conversion, lignin chemistry, or catalysis.
• Demonstrated experience in laboratory research, including design, execution, and analysis of experiments.
• Proven ability to communicate research findings through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Plasma chemistry application in biomass conversion.
• Catalytic upgrading of lignin (e.g., hydrotreating, hydrodeoxygenation).
• Nanomaterials preparation from biomass
• Biobased materials from cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin.
• Biochar production and characterization.
• Skills in advanced characterization techniques (e.g., NMR, FTIR, GC–MS, HPLC, BET, SEM/TEM).
• Knowledge of techno-economic analysis (TEA) or life cycle assessment (LCA) of biomass-derived products.
• Strong writing skills and prior experience in proposal development or grant writing.
• Demonstrated interest in sustainable agriculture, circular bioeconomy, and renewable fuels/materials.

About the Department

The Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering (bbe.umn.edu) is an internationally renowned academic unit with the core mission of sustainable use of renewable agricultural and natural resources, and protection and enhancement of the environment.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $62,000 annually, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.