Research Chemical Engineer/Chemist (Research Associate)

$72,553 - $94,317/Yr

Agricultural Research Service - Peoria, IL

Part-time,Full-time - Entry Level

Onsite - Peoria, IL

Administration of Economic Programs

About the position

The Research Associate position at the USDA's National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research focuses on developing new catalytic routes for producing novel monomers from carboxylic acids derived from biomass fermentation. The role involves planning and conducting research, synthesizing catalysts, and evaluating their performance in various chemical transformations.

Responsibilities

• Develop catalytic materials and processes for converting oxygenates produced by the fermentation of agriculturally derived feedstocks into new monomers.
• Synthesize catalysts using standard methods such as impregnation, sol-gel, and precipitation.
• Test materials in lab-scale reactors for various chemical transformations in either the vapor or condensed phase.
• Evaluate reaction results, selectivities, and catalyst stabilities using techniques such as GC, GC-MS, and HPLC.
• Analyze, interpret, and report research results in the form of presentations, publications, patents, and technical reports.

Requirements

• Recent Ph.D. in chemical engineering, chemistry, or a related field with a focus on heterogeneous catalysis.
• Knowledge related to the synthesis, characterization, and testing of catalytic materials.
• Experience with air-free Schlenk techniques and/or synthesis of microporous materials is highly desirable.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in agricultural research or renewable product technology.
• Familiarity with government research protocols and compliance.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package as a federal employee.
• Eligibility for relocation expense reimbursement.
• Potential for telework up to four days per week based on position duties.