Postdoctoral Research Associate - Sustainable Packaging

$50,000 - $50,000/Yr

University of Maine System - Orono, ME

Full-time - Entry Level

Orono, ME

10,001+ employees

Educational Services

About the position

This position is a joint postdoctoral fellowship focused on developing wood-fiber based solutions for sustainable packaging, specifically targeting the development of base papers and barrier coatings using nanocellulose and other bio-derived materials. The role aims to create films and coatings that meet the necessary barrier properties for food packaging while ensuring viscosity and thermal stability for commercial applications.

Responsibilities

• Develop wood-fiber based solutions for sustainable packaging.
• Focus on the development of base papers and barrier coatings.
• Utilize nanocellulose materials and other bio-derived materials in product development.
• Create films and coatings that meet food packaging barrier properties.
• Ensure viscosity and thermal stability for commercial scale use.

Requirements

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or related fields.
• Prior research experience with lignocellulosic materials and value-added product development.
• Experience in biobased films and coatings for recyclable food packaging.
• Strong ability to develop reports and manuscripts.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with cellulose nanomaterials.
• Experience in food packaging design using AI/ML tools.
• Ability to work in diverse settings with industrial clients and researchers.
• Experience in lignocellulose refining processes and enzyme treatment.

Benefits

• Tuition benefits for employees and dependents.
• Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability.
• Retirement plan options.