Description

The USDA, Agricultural Research Service, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Plant Polymer Research Unit in Peoria, Illinois is seeking a RESEARCH MATERIALS ENGINEER/MECHANICAL ENGINEER/CHEMIST (POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE), GS-0806/0830/1320-11, for a TWO-YEAR APPOINTMENT. A Ph.D. in materials engineering, mechanical engineering, polymer science, polymer chemistry, polymer engineering, organic chemistry, material science, chemical engineering, chemistry, analytical chemistry, or a related physical science field of study is required. Knowledge of plant-based polymers and techniques for their chemical and/or physical modification is highly desirable. Salary is commensurate with experience ($72,553 – $94,317 per annum) plus benefits. Citizenship and permanent residency restrictions apply. The incumbent will conduct fundamental and applied research with the goals of developing new, cost and performance competitive, bio-based products from agricultural feedstocks, such as polysaccharides, plant-based proteins, and lignin. The research will involve chemical and/or physical modification of plant polymers to enable new materials for applications, such as food packaging, seed coatings, emulsifiers, controlled-release of bioactive compounds and/or fertilizers, barrier coatings, and superabsorbent polymers. 

Send application materials to Dr. Bret Chisholm, USDA/ARS/NCAUR, 1815 N. University St., Peoria, IL 61604 or e-mail at Bret.Chisholm@usda.gov. Application materials should include, but not limited to, transcripts, resume/CV, and a one-page abstract of Ph.D. dissertation.

For further position and application information, go to the USAJobs Website (https://www.usajobs.gov/search/results/?k=ARS) and refer to announcement number:  RA-25MWA-L-12627186-HCL. 

USDA/ARS is an equal opportunity provider and employer.