Packaging - Assistant Professor (Mass transfer and climate resiliency implications)

The School of Packaging at Michigan State University is seeking applications for a tenure system position at the Assistant Professor level in the interdisciplinary fields of packaging mass transfer and environmental impact (climate resiliency). This position presents a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and education at the intersection of packaging and environmental sustainability. This will be a full‐time, academic year (9-month) tenure system Assistant Professor position with 45% teaching, 45% research, and 10% service assignment. The position start date is anticipated to be August 16, 2025

The ideal candidate will develop an externally funded research program focusing on exploring mass transfer within packaging systems (i.e., food, beverage, medical), with a strong emphasis on the implications for environmental impact. The candidate should have a robust background in fundamental research and its application to address real-world packaging systems and mass transfer challenges. The candidate should possess a deep understanding of mass transfer principles, both from a theoretical and experimental perspective, including environmental and toxicological assessments. The ideal candidate will develop research on the identification and continuous monitoring of chemicals in packaging systems and evaluate their interactions with food, beverage, and medical products, as well as potential environmental impacts. The role involves devising cutting-edge detection methods and conducting predictive modeling and experimental investigations to evaluate the migration or release of substances such as additives, polyfluorinated substances  (PFAS), nanoparticles, and micro/nano plastics. This position is pivotal in pioneering safer and more sustainable packaging practices that align with the urgent need for understanding climate impact implications of packaging systems, both benefits and potential risks. Primary funding sources are anticipated to be from federal agencies, commodity groups, NGOs, and industry.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead an externally funded research program focusing on exploring mass transfer within packaging systems, with a strong emphasis on environmental impact and implications for climate resiliency.
• Conduct fundamental and applied research to address real-world packaging systems.
• Develop interdisciplinary research on the identification and continuous monitoring of chemicals in packaging systems and evaluate their interactions with food, beverage and medical products, as well as potential environmental impact.
• Devise cutting-edge detection methods and conduct predictive modeling and experimental investigations to evaluate the migration or release of substances such as additives, PFAS, nanoparticles, and micro/nano plastics.
• Develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses related to mass transfer, environmental engineering, sustainable packaging, and implications for climate resiliency.
• Publish in high-quality refereed journals and establish strong ties with the industry.
• Mentor and supervise graduate students and engage in academic advising and other departmental and university service activities.
• Participate as a collaborative colleague with responsibilities in the functioning of the unit’s governance and inclusive culture.

The School of Packaging is well known worldwide for offering exemplary educational experiences in the science of packaging. The candidate would have the opportunity to create and teach short courses for industry professionals and contribute to the growth of the school’s outreach program.

Required qualifications: An earned Ph.D. in Packaging or a closely related field such as Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Science, Environmental Engineering, Material Science, Toxicology,  or related fields. A demonstrated record of teaching, research, and service activities relevant to the position.

Desired qualifications:

1. Experience working in research-intensive, multidisciplinary environments.
2. Ability to conduct basic and applied research while addressing the issues in the packaging industry.
3. Knowledge of current and emerging concerns of the packaging industry.
4. Ability to secure industry and/or competitive grant funding.
5. Evidence for the potential to develop a strong publication record.
6. Experience in mentoring peers and undergraduate and graduate students.
7. Experience in teaching undergraduate and graduate student courses, as well as courses for industry professionals.
8. Interest in providing leadership and service in professional scientific associations.

The School of Packaging (SoP), founded in 1952, is the leading institution in packaging education and research. As the only U.S. university offering a Ph.D. program in packaging, the School of Packaging at MSU attracts students from a variety of disciplines around the world. Our community of scholars is poised for significant growth and a commitment to improving practice through the land-grant mission of Michigan State University. We are seeking a colleague who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community and who will build collaborative ties with other departments across the University.

Location: The position will be based at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, USA. Michigan State University (MSU) is one of the top research universities in the world and home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs. MSU is a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, and scientists that provide regional, national, and international leadership in basic and applied research and excellence in teaching. In addition, consistent with its Land Grant origins, the MSU community pursues international engagement and provides strong extension programs that partner with diverse stakeholders to provide much needed research in the areas of food, energy, water, and the environment. MSU enjoys a park‐like campus with outlying research facilities and natural areas. The campus is in the city of East Lansing, adjacent to the capital city of Lansing. The Lansing metropolitan area has a diverse population of >500,000. Local communities have excellent school systems and place a high value on education. The University is proactive about its obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provides individual accessibility plans to students and employees with disabilities. Michigan State University is also proactive in exploring opportunities for employment for dual career families, both inside and outside the University, and respects all family forms. Information about MSU’s dual career support  and about WorkLife at MSU can be found at http://worklife.msu.edu/

Commitment to Creating a Sense of Belonging: The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University is committed to achieving excellence by creating and sustaining an accessible and inclusive culture that values cultural and academic diversity. We are an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. The CANR is particularly interested in candidates of all backgrounds who are committed to the principle that academic excellence is achieved through open access and proactive inclusion.

Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications. MSU offers a generous benefits package (details at https://hr.msu.edu/benefits/index.html).

To Apply: For consideration, submit your application online at http://careers.msu.edu to job number 1008138. Upload the following required documents : a) letter of interest that includes qualifications for the position (1 page); b) a separate statement of research and teaching philosophy highlighting how your experiences align with the position (maximum 2 pages each); c) current curriculum vitae; d) a description of how you will contribute to our diversity, equity, and inclusion goals (1 page); and e) contact information for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Review of Applications: The search committee will begin reviewing applications January 31, 2025 and continue until a suitable candidate is selected.

Questions regarding this position can be addressed to the Search Committee chair Dr. Muhammad Rabnawaz at [email protected], School of Packaging, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.

MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from, and nominations of, women, persons of color, veterans, persons with disabilities and other individuals who can contribute to the intellectual diversity and cultural richness at Michigan State University. MSU is committed to providing a work environment that supports employees’ work and personal life and offers employment assistance to the spouse or partner of candidates for faculty and academic staff positions.