USDA-ARS Biomass Thermochemical Conversion Process Research Opportunity

ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in Wyndmoor, PA.

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.

The Sustainable Biofuels and Co-Products Research Unit (SBCP) in Wyndmoor, PA, develops technologies that support new markets and increased profitability for U.S. agriculture. Researchers in SBCP advance chemical, catalytic, thermal, enzymatic, and fermentative technologies to convert low-value agricultural materials into high-value products such as biofuels, renewable chemicals and materials.

About the role

This research project, in the biomass pyrolysis laboratory, focuses on developing a microwave-assisted pyrolysis process for producing bio-oils from biomass. The project aims to optimize reaction conditions for microwave pyrolysis of selected agricultural residues and analyze the energy efficiency and cost relative to conventional pyrolysis. You will participate in this research by conducting experimental pyrolysis experiments, performing analytical characterizations of products, and engaging in energy and cost evaluations.

Learning Objectives

• Gain experience in a research setting by assisting in microwave pyrolysis experiments, recording data, analyzing and summarizing data, preparing scientific reports, and presenting research progress during group meetings.
• Gain hands-on experience with a variety of analytical techniques such as GCMS, elemental analysis, Karl Fisher titration, TGA, and SEM.
• Learn about microwave heating technologies and biomass pyrolysis processes.
• Develop skills in statistical design of experiments.
• Learn how to collect, organize, and process data from analytical instruments and experimental analyses.
• Develop scientific communication skills by preparing scientific reports and presenting research progress to the research unit.

Requirements

• The qualified candidate should have received, or be currently pursuing, a master's or doctoral degree in a relevant field at an accredited U.S. college, university, or technical institute and maintain satisfactory progress in academic coursework.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Minimum overall GPA: 3.00.

Skills

• Experience with biomass and bioproduct analysis using techniques including GCMS, elemental analysis, Karl Fischer, TGA, or SEM.
• Familiarity with technoeconomic analysis is considered a plus.
• Statistical data analysis skills.
• Scientific communication skills.

Benefits

• Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Pay

The participant will receive a monthly stipend ranging from $4,000.00 to $5,000.00, commensurate with educational level and experience.

Schedule

• Anticipated appointment start date: 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
• Appointment length: The appointment will initially be for up to one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.
• Level of participation: The appointment may be full time or part time, to be determined with the selected candidate.

Mentor: Candice Ellison (candice.ellison@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.