Postdoc: Bioplastic Paper Coating for Food Packaging

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech is seeking a highly motivated researcher for the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials and the Laboratory for Sustainable Packaging Materials to advance paper-based packaging research. You will design experiments, develop predictive models, and publish findings at national and international venues.

The role emphasizes collaboration with industry and government partners, mentoring graduate students, and contributing to grants while working on-site in Blacksburg, VA.

Qualifications

• PhD in Packaging Science, Food Science, Chemical Engineering or related field; awarded within 4 years of appointment with at least 1 year remaining.
• Strong background in computational modeling, AI-assisted modeling, microbial testing, or paper chemistry and structural evaluation.
• Experience with fiber-based packaging for consumer products.
• Proven record of publishing and presenting in peer-reviewed venues.
• Strong experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis skills.
• Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams; excellent writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experimental research on paper-based materials for food packaging.
• Develop predictive models for packaging performance using machine learning and modeling approaches.
• Investigate interactions between food products and paper-based packaging across categories.
• Collect, process, and analyze data; prepare technical reports and presentations.
• Mentor graduate students in methods and lab procedures.
• Collaborate with industry partners on applied research and technology transfer.

Skills

Computational modeling

AI modeling

Experimental design

Statistical analysis

Scientific writing

Collaboration skills

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Packaging Science

Tools

Python

MATLAB

TensorFlow

Job description

Virginia Tech is seeking a highly motivated researcher for the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials and the Laboratory for Sustainable Packaging Materials to advance paper-based packaging research. You will design experiments, develop predictive models, and publish findings at national and international venues.

The role emphasizes collaboration with industry and government partners, mentoring graduate students, and contributing to grants while working on-site in Blacksburg, VA.