"Professor of Practice – Packaging Systems"

Position Overview

The College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) at Auburn University invites applications for a Professor of Practice in Packaging Systems. This non-tenure-track position is designed for an experienced professional with a background in the fundamentals of packaging design, packaging production, packaging for distribution, packaging product development, or related fields. The successful candidate will bring real-world expertise into the classroom, preparing students for careers in the packaging industry.

Auburn University’s Packaging Systems degree is one of the only programs of its kind offered in the Southeastern United States, providing a unique opportunity to mentor and educate future leaders in this growing field. The program blends packaging materials, design, manufacturing, renewable, and business principles to equip students with the skills for managing and contributing to this trillion-dollar enterprise.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate courses in the Packaging Systems curriculum, such as Packaging for Distribution, Packaging Product Development, Foundations of Packaging Design, Production Packaging Evaluation Laboratory, and others.
• Mentor students, providing career guidance and industry connections.
• Identify, evaluate, develop, and deliver hands-on learning experiences that integrate industry best practices in packaging design, production, evaluation, and product development.
• Foster relationships with industry leaders to enhance internship and job placement opportunities.
• Contribute to curriculum development and program innovation, ensuring alignment with industry trends.
• Ensure student success toward degree completion.
• Continue to identify beneficial courses to be included as packaging-restricted electives.
• Facilitate experiential learning opportunities, including field-based activities, site visits, and industry networking events.
• Collaborate with CFWE, Business, and Industrial Design faculty to maintain and further enhance the Packaging Systems curriculum.

The College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (cfwe.auburn.edu) is a national and international leader in forestry, wildlife, and natural resources programs and the flagship institution of Alabama’s $36 billion plus forest, wildlife, and natural resources-related enterprises, a significant component of the State’s economic and employment contributions and impacts. The College is home to eight undergraduate degree programs, five master’s degrees, and four doctoral degrees.

Auburn University (www.auburn.edu) is one of the nation’s premier land, sea and space grant institutions with an enrollment of more than 30,000 graduate and undergraduate students. The University is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and community engagement, its positive work environment, flourishing student life programs, and beautiful campus. The University is located in the city of Auburn in east-central Alabama approximately 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, GA and southeast of Birmingham, AL, and is about 60 miles from the state capital (Montgomery).

Minimum Qualifications

• MS degree in packaging science or engineering at the time employment begins with professional experience in packaging-based plant production, business operations, supply chain management, product development, or field services OR a PhD degree in packaging science or engineering, or a related field with experience in packaging design, manufacturing, and product development.
• Desire and ability to teach courses within the Packaging Systems curriculum.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
• Ability to apply industry knowledge to teaching and student engagement.
• Strong network within the packaging industry.
• The candidate selected for this position must be able to meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in entrepreneurship, product management, or business development in the packaging industry.
• Prior teaching, mentoring, or training experience in a higher education or professional setting.
• Familiarity with packaging design, product development and production, and viable packaging practices.

Special Instructions to Applicants

To apply please go to www.auemployment.com/hr/postings/55367, complete the online form and upload the required application documents: (1) cover letter addressing your interest and experience pertinent to the responsibilities of the position, (2) current curriculum vita, (3) vision statement for the Packaging Systems program, (4) copies of academic transcripts, and (5) the names and contact information of at least three references. Review of applications will begin October 1st and will continue until a suitable candidate is hired. For more information, please contact: Yucheng Peng, Search Committee Chair (yzp0027@auburn.edu).