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Postdoctoral Sustainable Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Postdoctoral Associate

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

We also focus on creating and sustaining a healthy mix of work, personal and academic pursuit - all ... We support your growth and development through our career coaching and training department and we ...

Postdoctoral Associate

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

We also focus on creating and sustaining a healthy mix of work, personal and academic pursuit - all ... We support your growth and development through our career coaching and training department and we ...

Postdoctoral Associate

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

We also focus on creating and sustaining a healthy mix of work, personal and academic pursuit - all ... We support your growth and development through our career coaching and training department and we ...

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Postdoctoral Sustainable Development information

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$25K

$59K

$83.5K

How much do postdoctoral sustainable development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral sustainable development in the United States is $59,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $66,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical collaborative opportunities for a Postdoctoral Sustainable Development researcher within academic and industry settings?

Postdoctoral researchers in Sustainable Development often collaborate across interdisciplinary teams, working with experts in environmental science, policy, economics, and engineering. In academic settings, you might co-author research papers, supervise graduate students, and partner with other departments or universities on joint projects. In industry or with NGOs, collaborations can include contributing to sustainability assessments, policy advisory, or developing innovative solutions for real-world challenges. These partnerships not only broaden your research impact but also help build a professional network that can support future career advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Postdoctoral Sustainable Development researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Sustainable Development researcher, you need a doctoral degree in a relevant field along with expertise in interdisciplinary research, data analysis, and sustainability concepts. Familiarity with statistical software, GIS tools, and research publication platforms is typically required, as are skills in project management and grant writing. Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities distinguish top candidates, supporting effective stakeholder engagement and teamwork. These competencies are crucial for producing impactful research, securing funding, and driving sustainable solutions to complex global challenges.

What are postdoctoral positions in sustainable development?

Postdoctoral positions in sustainable development are advanced research roles for individuals who have recently completed their Ph.D. and want to deepen their expertise in areas related to sustainability, such as environmental science, policy, economics, or social development. These positions typically involve conducting independent or collaborative research, publishing scholarly papers, and sometimes teaching or mentoring students. The goal is to contribute new knowledge and solutions to global challenges like climate change, resource management, and social equity. Postdocs in sustainable development often work at universities, research institutes, or international organizations and may collaborate with government and industry partners. These roles can help build a strong foundation for a future career in academia, policy, or applied research.

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Sustainable Packaging

Maine's Public Universities

Orono, ME

$50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

This position will develop wood-fiber based solutions for sustainable packaging, focusing on development of base papers and barrier coatings, using nanocellulose materials and other bio-derived materials. 

This position is a joint postdoctoral fellowship on Sustainable Packaging between the University of Maine and the USFS Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, Wisconsin. The objective of this position is to develop films and coatings that meet the barrier properties required for food packaging and have the viscosity and thermal stability needed for commercial scale use. Typical hiring salary for this soft-money funded position is up to $50,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

Complete Job Description
About the University:
The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu. 
The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options. 
UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Visit the Maine Office of Tourism to learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer.
Qualifications:
Required: 

  • PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or Pulp and Paper Science and Engineering/Forestry, or similarly related fields.
  • Prior research experience related to lignocellulosic materials, their processing and value-added product development. 
  • Prior research experience in biobased films and coatings for use in recyclable food packaging.
  • Demonstrated strong ability to develop reports/manuscripts. 
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment. 

Preferred: 

  • Experience working with cellulose nanomaterials.
  • Experience in food packaging design, particularly using AI/ML tools.
  • Ability to perform in diverse working settings, e.g., industrial clients, students, and other researchers. 
  • Experience in lignocellulose refining processes, enzyme treatment of lignocellulosic materials. 
     

Other Information: 

To be considered for this position you will need to "Apply" and upload the documentation listed below:

1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae

Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.

Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on March 13, 2026.

For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair Colleen Walker.
The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening and post offer physical. 


 

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

 
Clery Act
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University's crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University's current campus security policies. You may view the University's Annual Security Report. If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5794, or call 207.581.4053.