Postdoctoral Researcher

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Independently conducts research including, but not limited to, constructing hypotheses, design and planning of research studies, data management, model development, conducting experiments or assessments, analysis and interpretation of results, and evaluation of research techniques
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders
• Ensure compliance with institutional, sponsor, and regulatory requirements
• Disseminates and publishes research results in peer-reviewed journals, reports, meetings, workshops, and conferences
• Assists in the writing of grant proposals
• May assist in teaching classes
• May mentor and assist undergraduate and/or graduate students
• May assist in managing research laboratories
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute research
• Knowledge of applicable research methods and analytical procedures
• Knowledge of research compliance and ethics
• Knowledge of publishing/reporting requirements
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills
• Demonstrated potential for original or collaborative scholarship
• Scientific writing skills demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications
• Ability to acquire accurate, reproducible data
• Critical eye towards consistency, reproducibility, and the scientific method in general
• Excellent project and time management skills
• Strong interpersonal and mentoring skills
• Advocate for safety and ethics in the workplace
• Ability to communicate findings and effectively work with sponsors and stakeholders

Minimum Education & Experience

• Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a related field

Job Level Overview

N/A

Research & Analysis:

• Conduct laboratory-based research on bio-based and compostable packaging materials; analyze data, evaluate material performance, and assess food packaging applications.
• Operate and optimize polymer processing techniques, including extrusion, to develop sustainable material prototypes.
• Apply analytical methods such as SEM, DSC, FTIR, and WVTR/O₂TR testing to characterize material structure, barrier properties, and overall functionality in packaging environments.

Project & Lab Management:

• Execute and manage grant-funded projects, ensuring timely completion of tasks and project compliance.
• Oversee laboratory activities, maintain equipment, and enforce safety compliance.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in research projects.

Grant Development and Administrative Support:

• Develop technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and conference presentations.
• Assist in writing research proposals for funding opportunities.
• Collaborate with industry partners, academic colleagues, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Engage in professional development and networking activities.

Education/Experience

• A PhD degree in Food Science, Packaging Science, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with polymer and fiber-based packaging materials, including paper and flexible packaging systems.
• Experience conducting life cycle analysis (LCA) or related sustainability assessments for packaging materials.
• A proven track record of contributing to peer-reviewed publications, participating in interdisciplinary projects, and assisting with grant proposal development.

Skills

• Practical abilities to work in a variety of labs, build new experimental setups, and conduct research independently.
• Proficiency in data analysis and statistical methods relevant to food packaging research.
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

FLSA Category

Work Location

Compensation

Application Materials

When you are ready to complete an application for this position please be prepared to submit the below requested information.  This will be required to ensure your application is processed in a timely manner.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Additional Details

In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law.

If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request to [email protected]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.