Job Information
Michigan State University(MSU) Assistant Professor-Tenure System in East Lansing, Michigan
Position Summary
This position presents a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and education at the intersection of packaging and environmental sustainability. This will be a full-time, 9-month tenure system Assistant Professor position with 45% teaching, 45% research, and 10% service assignment. The position start date is anticipated to be August 16, 2025.
The ideal candidate will develop an externally funded research program focusing on exploring mass transfer within packaging systems (i.e., food, beverage, medical), with a strong emphasis on the implications for environmental impact. The candidate should have a robust background in fundamental research and its application to address real-world packaging systems and mass transfer challenges. The candidate should possess a deep understanding of mass transfer principles, both from a theoretical and experimental perspective, including environmental and toxicological assessments. The ideal candidate will develop research on the identification and continuous monitoring of chemicals in packaging systems and evaluate their interactions with food, beverage, and medical products, as well as potential environmental impacts. The role involves devising cutting-edge detection methods and conducting predictive modeling and experimental investigations to evaluate the migration or release of substances such as additives, polyfluorinated substances?(PFAS), nanoparticles, and micro/nano plastics. This position is pivotal in pioneering safer and more sustainable packaging practices that align with the urgent need for understanding climate impact implications of packaging systems, both benefits and potential risks. Primary funding sources are anticipated to be from federal agencies, commodity groups, NGOs, and industry.
Responsibilities:
Develop and lead an externally funded research program focusing on exploring mass transfer within packaging systems, with a strong emphasis on environmental impact and implications for climate-resiliency.
Conduct fundamental and applied research to address real-world packaging systems.
Develop interdisciplinary research on the identification and continuous monitoring of chemicals in packaging systems and evaluate their interactions with food, beverage and medical products, as well as potential environmental impact.
Devise cutting-edge detection methods and conduct predictive modeling and experimental investigations to evaluate the migration or release of substances such as additives, PFAS, nanoparticles, and micro/nano plastics.
Develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses related to mass transfer, environmental engineering, sustainable packaging, and implications for climate resiliency.
Publish in high-quality refereed journals and establish strong ties with the industry.
Mentor and supervise graduate students and engage in academic advising and other departmental and university service activities.
Participate as a collaborative colleague with responsibilities in the functioning of the unit's governance and inclusive culture.
The School of Packaging is well known worldwide for offering exemplary educational experiences in the science of packaging. The candidate would have the opportunity to create and teach short courses for industry professionals and contribute to the growth of the school