The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the United States Department of Agriculture's chief scientific research agency and one of the world's premiere scientific organizations. ARS Postdoctoral Research Associates are hired to supplement a lead scientist's research on agricultural problems of high national priority affecting American agriculture. **ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED OR JANUARY 7, 2025**

Duties

Apply knowledge and skills related to organic and polymer chemistry to develop value-added biobased polymers from agricultural materials. Conduct laboratory experiments to determine structure-property relationships for renewable polymers synthesized primarily from vegetable oils. Test material concepts at laboratory scale for the utilization of renewable polymers for potential applications in a variety of end-use markets. Use data generated for preparing publications, presentations, and patent disclosures. Collaborate with other scientists and technicians to accomplish research goals and effectively utilize organization resources.

Requirements

• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/.
• Appropriations Law and Immigration Law requirements must be met.

Qualifications

This position requires a recent Ph.D. in chemistry, organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, or a related field of study that has equipped the applicant with the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. Knowledge of polymerization methods, characterization (thermal, mechanical, and viscoelastic) of polymers, and applications of polymers is desired. Applicants must meet basic Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standard's requirements (noted below) of the scientific discipline necessary to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. Chemistry Series (1320): A. Degree: physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics. OR B. Combination of education and experience -- course work equivalent to a major as shown in A above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Education

This position has a positive education requirement. You must submit a copy of your academic transcripts OR a list of college courses with credit hours, dates completed, and grades received to verify education when applying for this position. If this information is not provided, your education may not be appropriately evaluated and you may lose consideration for this position. If you are selected for this position, you will have to provide an official copy of your transcripts prior to entering on duty. Application materials will not be returned.

A related Ph.D. is required that was obtained within the last four years.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 5601 Sunnyside Ave Beltsville, MD 20705 US
• Name: Heather Lee
• Phone: 301-956-3803
• Email: [email protected]