Postdoctoral Research Associate

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

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

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Summary of Duties:

The Apparel, Merchandising, Design & Textiles (AMDT) in College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) at Washington State University (WSU) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct research in functional polymer products, with a focus on areas of bio-based and biodegradable fibers/films/foams, and functional textiles for smart wearable applications. The postdoc is expected to develop an independent research program within these areas while contributing to ongoing sponsored research projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Independently design and execute research projects related to functional polymer products.

• Develop, fabricate, characterize, and evaluate materials and products in the selected research area.

• Analyze experimental data and prepare technical reports and project deliverables.

• Write and publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.

• Present research findings at scientific conferences and professional meetings.

• Assist in the development and writing of research proposals under the mentorship of the principal investigator.

• Mentor and supervise undergraduate and graduate students involved in research projects.

• Collaborate with research team members and external partners to achieve project objectives.

• Maintain accurate research records and contribute to laboratory management activities.

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: $62,232.00
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 September 1, 2026 and end on August 31, 2027. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Materials Science and Engineering, Textile Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.

• Demonstrated expertise in polymeric materials, fibers, textiles, wearable technologies, or related areas.

• Strong publication record and scientific writing skills.

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple research tasks.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with sustainable and biodegradable polymer materials.

• Experience with fiber, film, foam, or textile processing and characterization.

• Experience with smart textiles, wearable sensors, or wearable systems.

• Prior experience mentoring undergraduate or graduate students.

• Interest in pursuing research funding and developing grant proposals.

Position Sponsorship Eligibility: May be eligible for work visa sponsorship
About Department/College/Area/ Campus - https://amdt.wsu.edu/
Area/College: College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS)
Department Name: Apparel, Merchandising, Design & Textiles (AMDT)
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 Dr. Hang Liu, [email protected]/509-335-4726

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 [email protected].

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