"Alerted.org

9622BR

Position Title:

Postdoctoral Researcher

Organization:

CET Dept of Packaging & Graphic Media Science

Job Responsibilities:

Typical Functions:

Research & Analysis:

+ Conduct laboratory-based research on bio-based and compostable packaging materials; analyze data, evaluate material performance, and assess food packaging applications.

+ Operate and optimize polymer processing techniques, including extrusion, to develop sustainable material prototypes.

+ Apply analytical methods such as SEM, DSC, FTIR, and WVTR/O₂TR testing to characterize material structure, barrier properties, and overall functionality in packaging environments.

Project & Lab Management:

+ Execute and manage grant-funded projects, ensuring timely completion of tasks and project compliance.

+ Oversee laboratory activities, maintain equipment, and enforce safety compliance.

+ Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in research projects.

Grant Development and Administrative Support:

+ Develop technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and conference presentations.

+ Assist in writing research proposals for funding opportunities.

+ Collaborate with industry partners, academic colleagues, and interdisciplinary teams.

+ Engage in professional development and networking activities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

+ Demonstrates the ability to plan and execute research.

+ Knowledge of applicable research methods and analytical procedures.

+ Knowledge of publishing/reporting requirements.

+ Excellent teamwork and communication skills.

+ Demonstrates potential for original or collaborative scholarship.

+ Scientific writing skills demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications

+ Ability to acquire accurate, reproducible data

+ Critical eye towards consistency, reproducibility, and the scientific method in general

+ Excellent project and time management skills

+ Strong interpersonal and mentoring skills

+ Advocate for safety and ethics in the workplace

+ Ability to communicate findings and effectively work with sponsors and stakeholders.

FLSA Category:

Exempt

Requisition Number:

9622BR

College/Division:

College of Engineering Technology

Required Application Documents:

Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae or Resume, List of References, Research Statement

Employment Category:

Fulltime

Additional Details:

In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT does not discriminate. RIT promotes and values diversity, pluralism and inclusion in the work place. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request to [email protected]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Required Minimum Education Level:

PhD

How To Apply:

In order to be considered for this position, you must apply for it at: http://careers.rit.edu/staff . Click the link for search openings and in the keyword search field, enter the title of the position or the BR number.

Required Qualifications:

Education/Experience

+ A PhD degree in Food Science, Packaging Science, or a related field.

+ Hands-on experience with polymer and fiber-based packaging materials, including paper and flexible packaging systems.

+ Experience conducting life cycle analysis (LCA) or related sustainability assessments for packaging materials.

+ A proven track record of contributing to peer-reviewed publications, participating in interdisciplinary projects, and assisting with grant proposal development.

Skills

+ Practical abilities to work in a variety of labs, build new experimental setups, and conduct research independently.

+ Proficiency in data analysis and statistical methods relevant to food packaging research.

+ Excellent technical writing and communication skills.

+ Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

What do we believe at RIT?:

Rochester Institute of Technology is a diverse and collaborative community of engaged, socially conscious, and intellectually curious minds. Through creativity and innovation, and an intentional blending of technology, the arts and design, we provide exceptional individuals with a wide range of academic opportunities, including a leading research program and an internationally recognized education for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. We are dedicated to building a diverse community, one where employees feel a sense of belonging, and are valued for their contributions and the perspectives they bring.

As a member of the RIT community, you'll receive a comprehensive employee benefits package (https://www.rit.edu/humanresources/benefits) that offers multiple options and access to additional employment advantages. You can tailor your benefit elections to meet your needs (affordable medical/dental/vision benefits; paid vacation/sick time/retirement saving plan with exceptional employer match; and tuition assistance for you and your family, to name a few).

Work Location:

Hybrid — Remote/On-campus

Job Summary:

The Department of Packaging and Graphic Media Science at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position beginning in Fall 2025. This position focuses on sustainable biomaterials, with particular emphasis on thermoplastic starches, lignocellulosic fibers, polylactic acid (PLA), and other biodegradable polymers for innovative packaging solutions. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in paper-based and flexible food packaging systems, along with demonstrated expertise in developing active and smart packaging technologies. Experience with grant writing and securing competitive research funding is highly desirable.

The selected candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) to manage and advance ongoing externally funded research projects, with the goal of developing and optimizing sustainable materials for commercial packaging applications. In addition, the postdoctoral researcher will actively contribute to the development of new research proposals to expand the department’s funding portfolio in this area. This role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with industry partners, publish high-impact research, and help translate cutting-edge materials science into practical, scalable packaging innovations that support global sustainability objectives.

Hourly/Salary Minimum:

45000

Hourly/Salary Maximum:

65000