Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

A Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Associate position is available in the fields of operations research and supply chain management. The position is funded by Dr. Mahmoudi’s recently awarded NSF fund. The postdoctoral fellow will design and implement an optimization-based decision-support model to size and operate the reusable-container pool for a Whirlpool refurbishment center, enabling a smooth transition from single-use to reusable packaging. The successful candidate will primarily work with Dr. Monireh Mahmoudi from the School of Packaging, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, at Michigan State University, and Dr. Leandro Coelho from the Operations and Decision Systems Department at Université Laval, Canada.

This position is contingent upon completion of your Ph.D. degree and receipt of appropriate employment authorization from the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The appointee will be responsible for 1) conducting research and taking leadership in writing research papers and grant proposals; and 2) developing collaboration with other research teams and industry partners. 

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

Doctorate -Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain/Operations Management, Applied Mathematics

Minimum Requirements

Requirements: 

• Ph.D. in Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain/Operations Management, Applied Mathematics, or a related field (completed or very near completion by the start date).
• Advanced knowledge of mathematical optimization (e.g., linear and mixed-integer programming, network/flow models, inventory/lot-sizing, and, ideally, stochastic or robust optimization).
• Hands-on experience formulating and solving models with Gurobi and/or IBM ILOG CPLEX.
• Strong coding and data skills in Python and R for analysis and model pipelines.
• Clear, professional communication—strong academic writing and presentation skills; ability to prepare manuscripts and stakeholder-facing reports.

Required Application Materials

As part of the application process, please submit your application on line or  send the following application materials to Dr. Monireh Mahmoudi (mahmou18@msu.edu). 

• Current/Up-to-date full curriculum vitae
• Sample research papers (published, accepted, and/or working)
• Contact information of two references (please include email addresses and phone numbers).

Special Instructions

The search committee will review applications on the 15th of each month, starting from October 15, 2025, until the position is filled.

Review of Applications Begins On

10/15/2025

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Website

www.packaging.msu.edu

Department Statement

School of Packaging (College of Agriculture and Natural Resources) at Michigan State University:

The School of Packaging (SoP) holds the prestigious reputation of being the first, the largest, and the most comprehensive packaging school in higher education. The school educates students to thrive in careers such as packaging engineering, design, manufacturing, research and development, and sales. Our graduates can be found across most industries and global Fortune 500 companies, and our Ph.D. graduates teach at universities around the world. Students graduate with foundational knowledge across all aspects of packaging, positioning them to work in multiple capacities for top global companies. MSU SoP graduates have developed a strong alumni network, are leaders at all organizational levels, and are thought leaders shaping today’s sustainable packaging solutions.

Operations and Decision Systems Department at Université Laval, Canada:

FSA ULaval is located in Québec City, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. As part of a select group of business schools that hold the prestigious AACSB International and EQUIS accreditations while also being a signatory member of the PRME initiative of the United Nations Global Compact, FSA ULaval is proud of its high-quality education and research, as well as its international reputation for technology-enhanced pedagogical innovation. FSA ULaval ranks among the most dynamic and innovative faculties and business schools in Canada, with 26 research chairs, groups, laboratories and centres

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.