Freelance Graduate Polymer Engineer Jobs in Minnesota

Post-Doctoral Scholar
We are seeking a postdoctoral scholar to develop renewable polymers for adhesives, coatings, and related materials. The research will focus on combining soy-derived monomers with renewable macromonomers to produce high-performance polymer systems with increased renewable content.

The ideal candidate will have strong experimental skills in chemical or materials synthesis and characterization, with the ability to learn new polymerization methods and relate molecular structure to material performance. Experience with polymer synthesis, emulsion polymerization, ring-opening polymerization, or techniques such as NMR, SEC, DSC, TGA, DMA, and mechanical testing is desirable. The work is strongly applied and will include both advanced characterization and practical industrial testing of adhesives and coatings.
The postdoctoral scholar will work closely with graduate students and industrial collaborators and communicate results through publications, technical reports, presentations, and partner meetings. 

The position is initially for one year and may be renewed depending on funding and performance. The start date is flexible. 

For additional information, contact Professor Steve Severtson, University of Minnesota, at sever018@umn.edu.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related field by the start date. Strong research ability, work ethic, independence, and communication skills are essential.

The Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering (bbe.umn.edu) is an internationally renowned academic unit with the core mission of sustainable use of renewable resources and enhancement of the environment. BBE is affiliated with both the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS, https://cfans.umn.edu/) and the College of Science and Engineering (CSE, https://cse.umn.edu/).

Pay Range: $62,232 - $67,995; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.