Postdoctoral Associate - Paper Coating with Bioplastics for Food Packaging Applications

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

Job Description

The Department of Sustainable Biomaterials and the Laboratory for Sustainable Packaging Materials are internationally recognized leaders in sustainable packaging research and innovation. Our state-of-the-art facilities support advanced manufacturing processes involving biopolymers, bioplastics, and other functional materials. Through strong collaborations with industry and government partners, we conduct cutting‑edge research on paper‑coating technologies using aqueous spray‑coating methods to address emerging challenges in food and healthcare packaging.

We are seeking a highly motivated and collaborative researcher with expertise in engineering, materials science, or related computational fields to contribute to our growing research program in sustainable food packaging. Current initiatives include developing advanced aqueous emulsion and suspension systems for spray coating, predictive modeling of packaging performance, and optimizing packaging designs for high‑value product applications. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical and experimental skills to address complex challenges related to packaging dynamics, product protection, and sustainable material performance.

Responsibilities

• 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 across diverse product categories.
• Collect, process, and analyze experimental data, including antimicrobial testing; prepare technical reports and presentations.
• Conduct literature reviews and analyze existing vibration data conversion methodologies to assess applicability to paper packaging systems.
• Develop practical design guidelines, simplified analytical models, and best‑practice documentation for industrial implementation.
• Prepare research findings for publication in peer‑reviewed journals and present work at national and international conferences.
• Collaborate with industry partners on applied research and technology transfer initiatives, including workshops and distribution of design tools.
• Mentor graduate students in research methods and laboratory procedures.
• Assist in developing competitive grant proposals for external funding from agencies such as NSF and USDA NIFA.
• Participate in limited teaching or outreach activities as assigned.
• Work on‑site; this position is not eligible for telework.

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. PhD 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 and structural evaluation.
• Experience with fiber‑based packaging for consumer products, including specialty crops.
• Demonstrated record of publishing refereed journal articles and presenting at professional conferences.
• Demonstrated authorship in peer‑reviewed publications.
• Strong understanding of experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Excellent technical writing, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to perform tasks requiring substantial walking, standing, stooping, and bending; must use appropriate personal protective equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in food packaging applications utilizing fiber‑based packaging systems.
• Background in food science, materials science, or chemical engineering.
• Familiarity with statistical evaluation methods.
• Familiarity with AI technologies.
• Knowledge of packaging performance testing standards.
• Experience with fiber material properties, orthotropic material modeling, or joint behavior under cyclic loading.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

January 2, 2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands‑on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem‑solvers. A comprehensive land‑grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

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 Trish Colleyat [e-mail] regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.