USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Chemistry

About the role

This research opportunity is with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania. ARS is the USDA's chief scientific in‑house research agency, dedicated to solving agricultural problems from field to table. The project focuses on developing value‑added products from low‑value biomass such as plant or animal residues, food waste, and municipal waste. Under the guidance of mentor Majher Sarker (majher.sarker@usda.gov), you will assist in extracting and modifying biomass‑derived materials, characterizing raw and finished products, and determining structural integrity using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), GC‑MS, and HPLC. The work is primarily laboratory‑based with occasional pilot‑plant experiments.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the identification and quantification of extracted and/or synthesized modified products.
• Determine the structural integrity of compounds using NMR, GC‑MS, and HPLC.
• Perform physical, chemical, and instrumental analyses to characterize raw materials and finished products.
• Collaborate with the mentor to define how project goals will be achieved.
• Conduct laboratory‑scale experiments and participate in pilot‑plant trials.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship only.
• Proof of health insurance is required for participation.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree received within the past five years or currently pursuing.
• Degree in Chemistry or Materials Sciences (including Analytical Chemistry, Bio‑organic Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, etc.).

Skills

• Experience with chemical synthesis.
• Hands‑on experience with NMR analysis.
• Proficiency with GC‑MS, HPLC, FTIR, DSC, and TGA.

Pay

Monthly stipend ranging from $6,000 to $6,500, based on educational level and experience.

Schedule

• Full‑time participation.
• Initial appointment of one year, renewable upon recommendation and contingent on funding.
• Anticipated start date in 2026/2027; start date is flexible.