Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term

Position Summary

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.

Professional Misconduct Review

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.

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

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

Minimum Requirements

Candidates must also demonstrate:

• Research experience related to paper, paperboard, fiber-based packaging, paper recycling, coatings, polymers, or sustainable materials.
• Ability to design and conduct laboratory experiments.
• Ability to analyze data and communicate research results clearly.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively and respectfully as part of a collaborative research team.
• Ability or willingness to supervise and mentor undergraduate researchers.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, organized, and productive laboratory environment.

Desired Qualifications

Preferred candidates will have experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Development of functional or barrier coatings for paper and paperboard.
• Recyclable, repulpable, biodegradable, bio-based, or compostable coating technologies.
• Recycling and repulping of coated paper and fiber-based packaging.
• Formulation and application of aqueous, polymeric, dispersion, or bio-based coatings.
• Paper-coating processes at laboratory or pilot scale.
• Evaluation of water, oil, grease, gas, aroma, or moisture-barrier properties.

Paper and coating performance testing using applicable TAPPI, ASTM, or ISO methods.

• Characterization techniques such as tensile testing, contact-angle measurement, rheology, microscopy, FTIR, DSC, DMA, TGA, SEM, or related analytical methods.
• Statistical analysis and experimental design.
• Preparation of peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, conference presentations, or research proposals.
• Collaboration with multidisciplinary academic or industrial research teams.
• Supervision or mentoring of undergraduate researchers.

A strong record of research productivity in paper packaging, paper coatings, paper recycling, sustainable materials, or a closely related area is preferred.

Required Application Materials

1. Curriculum vitae.
2. Cover letter describing relevant research experience and interest in the position.
3. Contact information for three professional references.
4. One representative publication or technical writing sample, if available.

Special Instructions

The cover letter should specifically describe the applicant’s experience in paper packaging, paper recycling, coating development, materials characterization, teamwork, and student mentoring.
Applications will be reviewed as needed until the position or positions are filled.

Review of Applications Begins On

08/28/2026

Website

www.packaging.msu.edu

MSU Statement

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.