Sustainable Biomaterials Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.