USDA-ARS Cotton Fiber Processing and Characterization Postdoctoral Research Opportunity

ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the USDA's chief scientific in-house research agency, delivering cutting-edge solutions for agricultural challenges from field to table.

About the Role

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. This is a full-time appointment initially for one year, with potential renewal contingent on the availability of funds. The anticipated start date is November 2026, with flexibility depending on various factors.

Research Project

Under the guidance of experienced mentors, you will participate in an educational research opportunity focused on advancing the understanding of cotton fiber characteristics that influence dye uptake and color consistency in fabrics. Activities include:

• Examining fiber properties such as crystallinity, pore size distribution, fiber surface content, and metal ion composition.
• Conducting laboratory-scale dye uptake trials with selected reactive dyes.
• Applying statistical and machine-learning tools to explore relationships between physical and chemical fiber parameters and dye uptake behavior, dyebath exhaustion, color strength, and dye fixation.
• Identifying influential fiber traits and exploring potential links to plant genetics.
• Engaging with a multidisciplinary team spanning chemistry, plant science, textile technology, engineering, and data science.

This research aims to improve methods for evaluating cotton fiber quality and identifying characteristics that promote reliable, predictable dye uptake.

Learning Objectives

• Develop an understanding of cotton fiber characteristics influencing dye uptake and color consistency.
• Learn to analyze fiber properties such as crystallinity, pore size distribution, surface content, and metal ion composition.
• Conduct laboratory-scale dye uptake experiments using selected reactive dyes.
• Evaluate how dye uptake affects color uniformity, shade consistency, and defect formation (e.g., barré).
• Apply statistical and machine-learning tools to identify relationships between fiber properties and dyeing outcomes.
• Determine which fiber traits most strongly influence dye behavior and explore potential links to plant genetics.
• Engage effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Gain hands-on experience with analytical instrumentation and quantitative measurement techniques used in fiber characterization.
• Learn and apply modern modeling approaches for connecting fiber structure to fabric performance.
• Strengthen skills in interpreting research data to support improvements in cotton fiber quality evaluation.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in chemistry, materials science, textile science, or a related field.
• U.S. citizenship.

Preferred Skills

• Strong foundation in chemistry, materials science, textile science, or a related field, with interest in fiber structure and coloration.
• Familiarity with analytical methods such as spectroscopy (FT-IR, NIR, UV-Vis), microscopy, or X-ray–based techniques.
• Ability to interpret physical or chemical property data, including crystallinity, pore-related behavior, surface composition, or other fiber traits relevant to dye uptake.
• Comfort performing systematic dye trials, including preparing dye baths, monitoring dye uptake, and evaluating color responses.
• Beginning or intermediate experience with statistical modeling or machine-learning methods for exploring multivariable relationships or building predictive models.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including interpreting results, preparing figures, and presenting findings to interdisciplinary collaborators.

Benefits

Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, DOE, or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program and can be obtained through ORISE.

Pay

The participant will receive a yearly stipend ranging from $71,678.04 to $74,678.04, commensurate with educational level and experience.

Mentor: Michael Santiago (michael.santiago@usda.gov). For questions about the research, contact the mentor(s).