Postdoctoral Research Associate — Biochar Composite Materials

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 View email address on nature.com. BioBuilt Technologies is an equal opportunity employer.