NWPCA Research Fellow

About Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech is a land‑grant institution dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity.

The Department of Sustainable Biomaterials seeks a researcher to develop design methods and test wood used in transportation, focusing on crates, containers and related packaging. This position blends knowledge of transportation with engineering design of wood, wood composites and connections.

• Conduct research related to the mechanical strength of wood, wood composites and connections used in wood transportation packaging (nails, screws, brackets, etc.).
• Apply knowledge of the supply chain for wooden containers, including transportation, logistics, storage conditions, and support conditions.
• Collect and analyze test data, and present results.
• Publish results in reports, refereed journals and professional conferences as appropriate.

• Ph.D. in sustainable biomaterials, packaging or related engineering or material science field;
  Ph.D. must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.
• Experience conducting standardized testing related to wood properties and connections, wood in transportation packaging research or similar engineering materials.
• Demonstrated record of publishing refereed journal articles and presenting at professional conferences.
• Knowledge of current design methods for wood materials in the United States, including the National Design Specification for Wood Construction (NDS).
• Experience with design of experiments and sampling of materials.
• Experience supporting research projects.
• Ability to work in a team or independently.
• Good interpersonal skills.

• Have an EIT (Engineer‑In‑Training) designation.
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) methods and tools.
• Experience programming with C++.
• Experience using numerical methods, including linear algebra, for structural modeling.

Overtime Status: Exempt:
Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type: Restricted

Salary Information: Starting at $55,000, commensurate with experience

Hours per week: 40

Review Date: February 10, 2026

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or on any other basis protected by law. If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Angela Riegel at ariegel during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.