Biomaterials Research Fellow Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NWPCA Research Fellow
Job no: 535158
Work type: Research Faculty
Senior management: Natural Resources
Department: Sustainable Biomaterials
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Engineering, Natural Resources
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.
Testing of Structural Wood for Use in Crates
The Department of Sustainable Biomaterials has over a decade of history in the testing and design of pallets and packaging systems. A new venture is the design methods and testing of wood used in transportation, including principles for design of crates, containers and other elements. This position blends knowledge of transportation with the engineering design of wood, wood composites and connections.
The successful candidate with work closely with Dr. Daniel Hindman, and industry collaborators to conduct research supporting the understanding and development of crate and wood container design procedures including loading conditions, material variability studies, and connections
Job Description
The Department of Sustainable Biomaterials is looking for a person with strong research and publication skills to support engineering design for the use of wood in transportation.
The individual will be responsible for:
• Conducting research related to the mechanical strength of wood, wood composites and connections used in wood transportation packaging (nails, screws, brackets, etc.).
• Knowledge of supply chain for wooden containers including transportation, logistics, storage conditions, and support conditions.
• Collecting and analyzing test data, analysis and presentation of results.
• Publishing results in reports, refereed journals and professional conferences as appropriate.
Required Qualifications
• Ph.D. in sustainable biomaterials, packaging or related engineering or material science field. PhD must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.
• Experience conducting standardized testing related to wood properties and connections, wood in transportation packaging research or similar engineering materials.
• Demonstrated record of publishing refereed journal articles and presenting at professional conferences.
• Knowledge of the current design methods for wood materials in the United States including the National Design Specification for Wood Construction (NDS).
• Experience with design of experiments and sampling size of materials
• Experience supporting research projects
• Ability to work in a team or independently
• Good interpersonal skills
Preferred Qualifications
• Have an EIT (Engineer-In-Training) Designation
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) methods and tools
• Experience programming with C++
• Experience using numerical methods, including linear algebra, for structural modeling
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
Starting at $55,000, commensurate with experience
Hours per week
40
Review Date
February 10, 2026
Additional Information
Candidates will be expected to provide a resume/Curriculum Vita and cover letter detailing reasons for interest in this position.
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Angela Riegel at ariegel@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: January 9, 2026
Applications close:
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