NWPCA Research Fellow

Virginia Tech; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 49,500 - 60,500; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking a qualified individual for a position focused on the testing of structural wood for use in crates. The ideal candidate will hold a Ph.D. in sustainable biomaterials or a related field and have strong research abilities, including experience publishing in peer-reviewed journals. Responsibilities include conducting research related to wood's mechanical strength and publishing results. Starting salary is $55,000, with hours at 40 per week. Interested candidates should prepare a resume and cover letter.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment.
• Demonstrated record of publishing refereed journal articles.
• Experience conducting standardized testing related to wood properties.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on mechanical strength of wood and wood composites.
• Collect and analyze test data, presenting results.
• Publish results in reports and peer-reviewed journals.

Skills

Research and publication skills

Knowledge of supply chain for wooden containers

Interpersonal skills

Experience with finite element analysis

Programming with C++

Education

Ph.D. in sustainable biomaterials or related field

Tools

Finite element analysis (FEA) tools

Job description

Testing of Structural Wood for Use in Crates

Job Description

The Department of Sustainable Biomaterials is looking for a person with strong research and publication skills to support engineering design for the use of wood in transportation.

Responsibilities

• Conducting research related to the mechanical strength of wood, wood composites and connections used in wood transportation packaging (nails, screws, brackets, etc.).
• Knowledge of supply chain for wooden containers including transportation, logistics, storage conditions, and support conditions.
• Collecting and analyzing test data, analysis and presentation of results.
• Publishing results in reports, refereed journals and professional conferences as appropriate.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in sustainable biomaterials, packaging or related engineering or material science field. PhD must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.
• Experience conducting standardized testing related to wood properties and connections, wood in transportation packaging research or similar engineering materials.
• Demonstrated record of publishing refereed journal articles and presenting at professional conferences.
• Knowledge of the current design methods for wood materials in the United States including the National Design Specification for Wood Construction (NDS).
• Experience with design of experiments and sampling size of materials.
• Experience supporting research projects.
• Ability to work in a team or independently.
• Good interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Have an EIT (Engineer-In-Training) Designation.
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) methods and tools.
• Experience programming with C++.
• Experience using numerical methods, including linear algebra, for structural modeling.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Starting at $55,000, commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

February 10, 2026

Additional Information

Candidates will be expected to provide a resume/Curriculum Vita and cover letter detailing reasons for interest in this position. The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

EEO Statement

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law. If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Angela Riegel at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.