Summary The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the United States Department of Agriculture's chief scientific research agency and one of the world's premiere scientific organizations. ARS Postdoctoral Research Associates are hired to supplement a lead scientist's research on agricultural problems of high national priority affecting American agriculture. ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED OR JANUARY 16, 2025 Responsibilities Identify and develop commercially viable products from vegetable oils that take advantage of the unique chemical structures of these oils. Perform chemical modifications of oils to produce lubricants, surfactants, polymers, fuels, and/or personal care products. Develop novel catalysts and processes that are capable of converting vegetable oils into platform chemicals common to the petroleum industry. Demonstrate utilization processes on a pilot scale. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications This position requires a Ph.D. in organic chemistry or a related physical science field that has equipped the applicant with the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. The incumbent must have thorough knowledge of mechanistic chemistry and state-of-the-art methods necessary to execute synthetic organic chemistry reactions. Knowledge of and experience with a broad range of lipid and organic chemistry technologies essential for modification of plant lipids is desired. Mastery of separation and purification techniques required to characterize complex plant lipid mixtures and derivatives is needed. Knowledge of current methods used in assessment of reaction product identification including HPLC, GPC, GC, GC-MS, FT-IR, and NMR is highly desirable. Applicants must meet basic Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standard's requirements (noted below) of the scientific discipline necessary to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. Chemistry Series (1320): A. Degree: physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by coursework in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics. OR B. Combination of education and experience -- course work equivalent to a major as shown in A above, including at least 30semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Education This position has a positive education requirement. You must submit a copy of your academic transcripts OR a list of college courses with credit hours, dates completed, and grades received to verify education when applying for this position. If this information is not provided, your education may not be appropriately evaluated and you may lose consideration for this position. If you are selected for this position, you will have to provide an official copy of your transcripts prior to entering on duty. Application materials will not be returned. Additional Information This position is designated as a bargaining unit position and is represented by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer. This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.