Postdoctoral Research Associate — Biochar Composite Materials
BioBuilt Technologies, United States
- Institution
- BioBuilt Technologies
- Country
- United States
- Position type
- Postdoc
- Subject area
- Materials Science
- Salary
- Competitive Salary
- Location
- Madison, Wisconsin, US
- Funding
- Fully funded position
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About this position
About the Role
BioBuilt Technologies holds rights to a biochar-based composite materials technology developed in collaboration with a USDA research facility. We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to lead applied R&D advancing this technology platform, with a focus on materials formulation, processing optimization, and performance testing for environmental applications. This position will be based on-site at a federal research facility in Madison, WI, working within shared laboratory facilities and equipment under a research collaboration agreement between BioBuilt Technologies and the host institution. The researcher will be a full-time employee of BioBuilt Technologies, not a federal employee.
Responsibilities
- Design and execute experiments evaluating material formulations and processing parameters to improve product performance and cost-effectiveness
- Develop and fabricate material samples across a range of formulations and physical shapes/geometries for internal evaluation and third-party testing
- Characterize material properties using standard techniques (e.g., SEM, surface area analysis, XRD, thermal analysis, mechanical testing)
- Coordinate with external third-party testing laboratories for performance validation
- Maintain detailed lab notebooks and prepare technical reports summarizing experimental results
- Collaborate professionally with host facility staff on equipment use, safety protocols, and scheduling
- Support documentation of research outcomes, including any findings relevant to intellectual property
Qualifications Required:
- Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related field
- Hands-on experience with thermal materials processing (e.g., pyrolysis, carbonization, sintering, or similar)
- Experience with materials characterization techniques (SEM, XRD, thermal analysis, surface area analysis)
- Strong written communication skills for technical reporting
Preferred:
- Prior research experience with porous carbon materials, biomass-derived materials, or related composites
- Experience with environmental remediation, filtration, or adsorption studies
- Familiarity with natural/bio-based binders
- Experience working in shared or user-facility laboratory environments
Compensation & Terms
- Competitive salary
- Fixed-term appointment, 3–6 months, with possibility of renewal/extension
- This is an industry-employed position (employed by BioBuilt Technologies Ltd.), working on-site at a partner research facility; the researcher will not be a federal employee
To Apply
Please submit a CV, brief cover letter describing relevant research experience, and contact information to info@biobuilttech.com. BioBuilt Technologies is an equal opportunity employer.
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