Postdoctoral Associate - Transportation Packaging and Distribution Systems Research

Postdoctoral Associate – Transportation Packaging and Distribution Systems Research

Job no: 534892
Work type: Research Faculty
Senior management: Natural Resources
Department: Sustainable Biomaterials
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Research / Scientific, Natural Resources

Transportation Packaging and Distribution Systems Research is an internationally recognized area of study within Virginia Tech’s Department of Sustainable Biomaterials and its Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design (CPULD). The lab’s advanced facilities include vibration, shock, compression, and thermal testing systems. Research involves collaborative partnerships with industry and government agencies to advance transportation packaging performance, unit load design, cold‑chain logistics, and sustainable packaging systems, addressing critical challenges in product protection, supply‑chain optimization, and distribution‑system efficiency.

The Postdoctoral Associate will conduct cutting‑edge research on packaging optimization and distribution systems. Objectives include developing vibration analysis methodologies for wooden packaging, creating predictive models for packaging performance, and optimizing package designs for high‑value product distribution.

• Design and conduct experimental research on transport packaging performance, including vibration, shock, and compression testing of packaging systems.
• Develop and implement predictive models for packaging performance using machine‑learning approaches and physics‑based simulations.
• Investigate logistics optimization strategies for packaging and distribution systems, including unit load design and supply‑chain efficiency.
• Collect, process, and analyze experimental data from mechanical testing equipment; prepare technical reports and presentations.
• Conduct comprehensive literature reviews and evaluate existing vibration‑data conversion methodologies for applicability to wooden packaging systems.
• Develop practical design guidelines, simplified analytical models, and best‑practice documentation for industry implementation of vibration testing and design optimization.
• Prepare research findings for publication in peer‑reviewed journals and present results at national and international conferences.
• Collaborate with industry partners on applied research projects and technology‑transfer initiatives, including workshop delivery and distribution of design tools.
• Mentor graduate students on research projects and laboratory procedures.
• Participate in grant‑proposal development for external funding from NSF, USDA NIFA, and other federal agencies.
• Limited teaching or outreach responsibilities may be assigned depending on interest and departmental needs.
• This position is not eligible for telework.

• Ph.D. in Packaging Science, Wood Science, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, or a related field (degree awarded no more than four years prior to appointment with at least one year eligibility remaining).
• Strong background in computational mechanics, structural dynamics, or wood mechanics.
• Experience with finite‑element analysis and modal‑analysis techniques.
• Experience with vibration analysis, dynamic testing, or mechanical‑system characterization.
• Proven record of publishing refereed journal articles and presenting at professional conferences.
• Strong understanding of experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Excellent technical writing, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lift or carry 50 lb, obtain and maintain a valid Virginia driver’s license.
• Position requires considerable walking, standing, stooping, and bending; personal protective equipment required.

• Experience applying machine‑learning models to structural systems, predictive modeling, or optimization problems related to packaging or mechanical systems.
• Background in logistics optimization, supply‑chain modeling, or distribution‑network analysis.
• Familiarity with vibration‑data analysis techniques.
• Experience with…