Postdoctoral Research Associate - Sustainable & Circular Polymer Materials

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:

November 4, 2026

If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s):

306-YY_FACULTY - Postdoctoral Research Associate

Business Title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Sustainable & Circular Polymer Materials

Employee Type:

Faculty (+) (Fixed Term)

12 Month

The Opportunity:

The Composite Materials & Engineering Center (CMEC) at Washington State University seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct research in sustainable and circular polymer materials. The position supports CMEC’s interdisciplinary mission to advance renewable materials, polymer innovation, and circular economy solutions for industry and society. The postdoctoral researcher will work on synthesis, characterization, and application development of next‑generation biobased and recycled polymer systems. The role includes hands-on laboratory research, collaboration with CMEC faculty and industry partners, and contributions to student mentoring and proposal development.

The successful candidate will contribute directly to CMEC's research portfolio through work centered on:

1. Synthesis and application development of biobased polymer materials, including systems derived from vegetable oils, renewable chemicals, soy protein, lignin, and other bio-based feedstocks.

2. Chemical recycling and upcycling of plastic and composite waste, with emphasis on polyesters and thermoset polymer composites.

3. Design, fabrication, and characterization of sustainable polymer materials for structural and non-structural applications.

Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for Faculty and Total Compensation. For information or questions about Benefits, please contact HRS Benefits at 509-335-4521.

Annual Salary: $62,232 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. Successful candidates typically begin up to mid-point of the salary range.

This is a full time (100% FTE), temporary position. This position is overtime eligible.

Appointment Duration: This is a temporary position expected to start on January 1, 2027 and end on December 31, 2027. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

Required Qualifications:

• A doctoral degree in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, polymer science, materials science and engineering, or a closely related science or engineering discipline.
• Research experience in organic synthesis, polymer synthesis, or related chemical/materials synthesis.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate research findings effectively through scientific writing and oral presentations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Organic synthesis and polymerization skills
  

Position Sponsorship Eligibility: May be eligible for work visa sponsorship

About Department/College/Area/ Campus - cmec.wsu.edu

Area/College: College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS)
Department Name: Composite Materials & Engineering Center
Location: Pullman, WA

Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.

1) Resume
2) Cover Letter

External candidates, upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application.

Current WSU Employees (internal candidates), before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday. Internal candidates, upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.

All candidates, documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.

Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.

Contact: For questions regarding this position or the application process, please contact Jinwen Zhang, Professor, jwzhang@wsu.edu

Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Union Representation: This position is represented exclusively by Postdocs United/United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Information regarding the Union and the CBA is available on the WSU Labor Relations website.

Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or hrs@wsu.edu.

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In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract.

Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both.

More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/

About Us

WSU is Washington's land-grant university with campuses located in Everett, Pullman, Spokane, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver. Additionally, research centers are located throughout the state, extension offices are located in every county in Washington, and online degree programs are offered worldwide. WSU employees promote academic excellence and innovative research that serves the state, nation, and world. With a focus on innovation, excellence, and accountability, continual enhancement of research and educational endeavors are at the core of WSU's strategic priorities. See here for additional information about WSU's statewide locations.

View the HRS Benefits website for details on competitive benefits available.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract.

Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both.

More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/