Assistant Professor in Sustainable Packaging

The Department of Sustainable Biomaterials (SBIO) at Virginia Tech invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor with a focus on plastic conversion for both flexible and rigid packaging systems. The position is a tenure-track, 9-month appointment with responsibilities in teaching (30%), research (65%), and service (5%). Virginia Tech is committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment where all people can succeed and thrive. We encourage applications from those whose unique perspectives, experiences, and ideas will enhance our vibrant academic community, which is dedicated to innovation, discovery and the advancement of knowledge.

The successful candidate will develop and deliver engaging courses that provide students with the skills to make science-based decisions when designing flexible and rigid packaging solutions. The candidate will offer courses that contribute to a solution-oriented curriculum, emphasizing experiential learning opportunities for students. It is expected that the successful candidate will contribute to the development of technologies that address environmental issues as well as social and regulatory trends that impact plastic conversion and engineering. The candidate is expected to build an extramurally funded research program and enhance the department’s research capacity in the area of plastic conversion for sustainable flexible and rigid packaging systems, focusing on closed-loop strategies to meet circularity goals. The research commitment of this position may address the latest and advanced developments in diverse plastic packaging conversion technologies, including but not limited to extrusion, injection, lamination, compounding, and/or thermoforming processes, with packaging polymers, ranging from traditional plastics to advanced polymers and materials such as recycled plastics, bio-derived polymers and chemicals, renewable based resins, degradable materials, and functional enhancers.

• Ph.D. in packaging science, material science, chemical engineering, chemistry, or a closely related discipline by the appointment start date
• Demonstrated ability to develop and teach university-level lectures or laboratories that offer students hands-on experiential learning opportunities
• Demonstrated potential to develop an active and productive research program that supports graduate education through acquisition of external funding

• Experience working in research-intensive, multidisciplinary environments
• Ability to conduct research which addresses current issues in the packaging industry
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with industrial partners
• Knowledge of current and emerging needs in the thematic area of plastic conversion
• Demonstrated experience mentoring undergraduate and graduate students
• Experience teaching undergraduate and graduate student courses, as well as courses for industry professionals
• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership and service for professional scientific societies

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Regular

$80,000-90,000 commensurate with experience

40

June 15, 2025

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

Application Process

The application materials should include the following information:

• Upload the following required documents:
  • a) letter of interest that highlights your goal and vision for the position (1-page maximum),
  • b) Statement of Teaching Philosophy highlighting how your experiences align with the position (1‐page maximum),
  • c) Statement of Research Philosophy highlighting how your experiences align with the position (3‐pages maximum),
  • d) current curriculum vitae, including education, publication records, and research grants awarded, if applicable,
  • e) contact information (name, telephone number, and email address) for three professional references.  We may contact your references during the review process. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

More information about the position can be found at https://jobs.vt.edu/. Inquiries should be directed to Dr. Young Kim, Chair, Search Committee: Department of Sustainable Biomaterials, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Virginia Tech, 310 W Campus Drive, 230C Cheatham Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061. Phone: 540-231-1158 or email: ytkim@vt.edu.

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 the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 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.