USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Research Chemist

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USDA-ARS-2022-0324
How to Apply

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A complete application consists of:

  • An application
  • Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
  • A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
  • Two educational or professional recommendations

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

Application Deadline
11/21/2022 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications may be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

ARS Office/Lab and LocationA research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAUR) located in Peoria, Illinois.

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.

Research Project: The National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research performs research to improve agricultural production, food safety and public health, economic development, and environmental quality.  This research will enhance the economic viability and competitiveness of U.S. agriculture commodities by expanding domestic and global market opportunities associated with the growing bioeconomy through the development of environmentally friendly, non-food biobased technologies and products.  The selected participant will assist in the development of new biobased feedstocks and superior performing lubricants.

Learning Objectives: As a result of this training the participant will improve their skills in organic synthesis, product isolation, product characterization, and determining biobased lubricant properties and performance.  The participant will be afforded the opportunity to present their research at professional conferences, in peer-reviewed publications, and through interactions with academic and industrial collaborators.

MentorThe mentor for this opportunity is Steven Cermak (steven.cermak@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 2022.  Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment LengthThe appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of ParticipationThe appointment is full-time.

Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. 

Citizenship RequirementsThis opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.

ORISE InformationThis program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and ARS. 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. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email USDA-ARS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing the degree with completion by June 30, 2023. Degree must have been received within the last four years.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience in the analysis of fatty acid compositions of new plant oils and/or waste cooking oils
  • Experience in synthesis and characterization of new biobased and/or hydroxy type materials
  • Experience in general chemical, synthetic, lubrication experimentation, purification/isolation, and characterization of organic compounds.
Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 48 months or anticipated to be received by 6/1/2023 12:00:00 AM.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (3 )
    • Engineering (1 )
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