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 info@biobuilttech.com. BioBuilt Technologies is an equal opportunity employer.