Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term

Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term

The successful candidate will conduct research in areas such as paper recycling, recyclable and repulpable paper coatings, barrier coatings, coating formulation and application, coated-paper characterization, and performance evaluation of paper-based packaging materials. The position may also involve developing sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic coatings and improving the recyclability and functional performance of fiber-based packaging.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Designing, planning, and conducting experiments related to paper packaging, paper coatings, and recycling.
• Developing and evaluating coating formulations for paper and paperboard packaging.
• Investigating the recyclability, repulpability, and performance of coated paper materials.
• Characterizing coating and substrate properties using appropriate analytical and performance-testing methods.
• Collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and documenting research data.
• Preparing technical reports, research presentations, manuscripts, and other project deliverables.
• Maintaining accurate laboratory records and following laboratory safety procedures.
• Working collaboratively with faculty members, research staff, students, and external project partners.
• Providing regular research progress updates to the principal investigator.
• Leading, supervising, and mentoring one or two undergraduate students participating in research projects.

The successful candidate must demonstrate strong teamwork, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills. The individual should be able to work both independently and effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.

As an institution of higher learning, Michigan State University is committed to providing a safe environment for its students, faculty, and staff in support of its educational mission. With this commitment, the University conducts criminal background checks and professional misconduct reviews of all applicants for employment in faculty, academic staff, and executive management searches.

A professional misconduct review is a prerequisite for a candidate to be selected for this position. Applicants will be asked to disclose whether they are subject to any pending investigation, findings or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Professional misconduct includes misconduct related to a person's employment, including, but not limited to, theft, embezzlement, research integrity, discrimination, or harassment under civil rights laws and policies, including protected identity harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct (sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, etc.),

and retaliation. All applicants will be asked to sign an authorization and release, which authorizes the University to contact the candidate's current and former employers, for a period of 7 years prior to the date of application, related to any pending investigations, findings of responsibility and/or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Nothing will be sent to current or former employers unless the candidate reaches the semi-finalist stage.

The existence of professional misconduct history does not automatically exclude a candidate from employment. The University will assess the history, including any information provided by the candidate, in determining whether it is compatible with the position. The University may decline to hire a candidate based on the professional misconduct review. All records obtained from external employers will be kept in a secure location, separate from personnel files.

If an applicant fails to sign the authorization and release, the application will be deemed incomplete and will be withdrawn.

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.

Terminal
-Paper Science, Packaging Science, Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering.

Candidates must also…