Position Summary

The School of Packaging at Michigan State University invites applications for a full-time, 9 month tenure track Assistant Professor with 40% teaching, 50% research, and 10% service assignment. The position's start date is anticipated to be January 1, 2024.

It is expected that candidates from a variety of backgrounds will apply.

This position creates a research, teaching, and outreach commitment to active, intelligent, and smart packaging. The successful candidate will be expected to bring their training and expertise to this position to develop a nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary packaging research program that builds collaboratively on MSU's strengths, focusing on active, intelligent, and smart packaging that may impact one or more of the following areas: supply chain transparency and/or efficiency; agricultural production and efficiency; product protection; medical packaging, food safety, food waste, consumer communication, or other application areas for active, intelligent, and smart packaging solutions. The candidate will work closely with industry, other academic units, and federal/state regulatory bodies to develop research, curriculum, and experiential learning opportunities for students and stakeholders. The candidate will be expected to stay abreast of technology, regulations, design for circularity, and environmental, social, and governance trends that prepare students for a future career working with active, intelligent, and smart packaging.

Research: The candidate is expected to develop a research program related to active, intelligent, and smart packaging covering areas such as data carriers, printable electronics, active surface technology, smart materials and structures, robotics, 3D/4D printing materials and technologies, printable/ flexible/ stretchable electronics, low-cost energy harvesters, environmental indicators, RFID and NFC technologies for wireless communication between packages and customers, developing sensors applied in packaging dynamics such as accelerometers and strain gauges, developing GPS technologies for locating/tracking the package, other sensor technologies that monitor the quality status of a product (i.e., food, medical) and shares that information with customers and nodes in the value chain to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of product in the supply chains. The successful candidate will be expected to secure competitive grants, publish in high-quality refereed journals, and establish strong ties with industry and other academic units on campus. The candidate will also mentor undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in the same area.

Teaching: The candidate is expected to initially teach one undergraduate course during the fall or spring semesters regarding active, intelligent, and smart packaging. Expectations include incorporating the latest research developments in areas related to this area. The candidate will also develop at least one graduate-level and one elective course to be taught on a rotating basis. The candidate would have the opportunity to create and teach short courses for industry professionals and contribute to the growth of the school's outreach program. 

Service: The successful candidate is expected to provide leadership and service in professional, scientific, and regulatory associations/agencies (e.g., IFT, ASTM, ACS, and ISO), and establish strong ties with the private sector. The successful candidate is also expected to serve on various department, college, and university committees. The candidate will be asked occasionally to create and teach short courses for industry/government professionals in service to the growth of the School's outreach program. 

Location: The position will be based at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, USA. Michigan