USDA NIFA Postdoctoral Fellow; A7201 – Sustainable Bioplastics and Biocomposites

NIU Bioplastics Lab. is seeking a strong postdoctoral candidate interested in applying for the USDA NIFA AFRI Education and Workforce Development (EWD) Postdoctoral Fellowship (Program Code A7201). The NIU Bioplastics Lab will serve as the host lab and mentoring environment, and we will develop a competitive proposal together for the April 30, 2026 deadline.

More information:

• Sustainable bioplastics and biopolymer systems
• Natural-fiber-reinforced biocomposites (for example hemp-fiber composites)
• Bio-based materials from agricultural co-products (for example soy protein-based materials)
• Processing–structure–property relationships, durability, and end-of-life behavior

• PhD in polymer science, materials science, or a closely related field
• Track record of publications in biopolymers, bioplastics, and biocomposites
• Experience with plastics production and plastics machinery
• Experience in polymer processing and/or materials characterization
• Interest in building an independent research direction within sustainable bio-based materials
• The postdoctoral fellow applies as the sole Project Director (PD) and must meet A7201 eligibility, including U.S. citizenship, U.S. national status, or U.S. permanent residency.

Please message me with:

• A brief summary of your PhD work
• 1–2 project ideas aligned with sustainable polymers and biocomposites