Position Summary
The School of Packaging at Michigan State University invites applications for a full-time, 9 month tenure track Assistant Professor with 40% teaching, 50% research, and 10% service assignment. The position's start date is anticipated to be January 1, 2024.
It is expected that candidates from a variety of backgrounds will apply.
This position creates a research, teaching, and outreach commitment to active, intelligent, and smart packaging. The successful candidate will be expected to bring their training and expertise to this position to develop a nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary packaging research program that builds collaboratively on MSU’s strengths, focusing on active, intelligent, and smart packaging that may impact one or more of the following areas: supply chain transparency and/or efficiency; agricultural production and efficiency; product protection; medical packaging, food safety, food waste, consumer communication, or other application areas for active, intelligent, and smart packaging solutions. The candidate will work closely with industry, other academic units, and federal/state regulatory bodies to develop research, curriculum, and experiential learning opportunities for students and stakeholders. The candidate will be expected to stay abreast of technology, regulations, design for circularity, and environmental, social, and governance trends that prepare students for a future career working with active, intelligent, and smart packaging.
Research: The candidate is expected to develop a research program related to active, intelligent, and smart packaging covering areas such as data carriers, printable electronics, active surface technology, smart materials and structures, robotics, 3D/4D printing materials and technologies, printable/ flexible/ stretchable electronics, low-cost energy harvesters, environmental indicators, RFID and NFC technologies for wireless communication between packages and customers, developing sensors applied in packaging dynamics such as accelerometers and strain gauges, developing GPS technologies for locating/tracking the package, other sensor technologies that monitor the quality status of a product (i.e., food, medical) and shares that information with customers and nodes in the value chain to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of product in the supply chains. The successful candidate will be expected to secure competitive grants, publish in high-quality refereed journals, and establish strong ties with industry and other academic units on campus. The candidate will also mentor undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in the same area.
Teaching: The candidate is expected to initially teach one undergraduate course during the fall or spring semesters regarding active, intelligent, and smart packaging. Expectations include incorporating the latest research developments in areas related to this area. The candidate will also develop at least one graduate-level and one elective course to be taught on a rotating basis. 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.
Service: The successful candidate is expected to provide leadership and service in professional, scientific, and regulatory associations/agencies (e.g., IFT, ASTM, ACS, and ISO), and establish strong ties with the private sector. The successful candidate is also expected to serve on various department, college, and university committees. The candidate will be asked occasionally to create and teach short courses for industry/government professionals in service to the growth of the School’s outreach program.
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 other types of support for balancing work and personal lives can be found at http://worklife.msu.edu/ .
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: 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. Candidates are invited to view the CANR norms. https://www.canr.msu.edu/diversity/dei-statement
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Doctorate -Packaging, Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical
Minimum Requirements
An earned Ph.D. in Packaging or closely related fields such as Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Computer, Enviromental, and Biosystem Engineering, Material Science, Food Science, Medical Sciences, or other relevant fields by the starting day. A demonstrated record and evidence of success in research, teaching, and service in a team environment.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience working in research-intensive, multidisciplinary environments,
- Ability to conduct basic and applied research while addressing the issues in the packaging industry,
- Knowledge of current and emerging technologies related to active, intelligent, and smart packaging technologies,
- Evidence of securing industry and/or competitive grant funding,
- Evidence for the potential to develop a strong publication
