Postdoctoral Associate – Paper Coating: Virginia Tech is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to join the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials’ Laboratory for Sustainable Packaging Materials. This position focuses on innovative paper-coating technologies utilizing bioplastics for food packaging applications.
Postdoctoral Associate – Paper Coating with Bioplastics for Food Packaging Applications
Designation
Postdoctoral Associate
Research Area
Sustainable Biomaterials and Packaging Technologies
Location
Blacksburg, Virginia
Eligibility/Qualification
- Required Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Packaging Science, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Paper Science, Wood Science, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, or a related field (Ph.D. must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining).
- Strong background in computational modeling, AI-assisted modeling, microbial testing, or paper chemistry.
- Experience with fiber-based packaging for consumer products.
- Demonstrated record of publishing refereed journal articles and presenting at conferences.
- Proficiency in experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis.
- Excellent technical writing and communication skills.
- Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in food packaging applications utilizing fiber-based packaging systems.
- Familiarity with statistical evaluation methods and AI technologies.
- Knowledge of packaging performance testing standards.
Job Description
The successful candidate will:
- Design and conduct experimental research on paper-based materials for food packaging applications.
- Develop predictive models for packaging performance using machine learning and physicochemical modeling approaches.
- Investigate interactions between food products and paper-based packaging materials.
- Collect, process, and analyze experimental data, including antimicrobial testing; prepare technical reports and presentations.
- Conduct literature reviews and analyze existing methods related to paper packaging systems.
- Develop practical design guidelines and best-practice documentation for industrial implementation.
- Collaborate with industry partners on applied research and technology transfer initiatives.
- Mentor graduate students in research methods and laboratory procedures.
- Assist in developing competitive grant proposals.
- Participate in limited teaching or outreach activities as assigned.
- Work on-site as the position is not eligible for telework.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application, including a CV and a cover letter, to the Virginia Tech careers portal. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.
Last Date to Apply
Open until filled.
