"Research Associate"

Job Description

About Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design

More than four decades ago, William H. Sardo, Jr. Pallet and Container Laboratory was constructed to develop state-of-the-art technologies to improve the efficiency of the global distribution by optimizing the unit load and packaging systems. Since its establishment, with industry and government support, Virginia Tech researchers have developed a reliability-based design and analysis methodology related to pallets and unit loads. We are always in the forefront of the innovation; therefore, we are one of the few laboratories who are represented in various committees to develop the new version of ASTM, ISO, ISTA, and ANSI standards. Being part of an academic institution, education of future packaging professionals is one of our main missions. To fulfill this mission, we provide training to many undergraduate and graduate students to gain valuable industrial experience through incoming industrial projects; meanwhile, we organize short courses to members of the packaging industry.

The Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design is looking for a person with strong technical skills to support our packaging research projects.

The individual will be responsible for:

• Evaluating packages, pallets, and unit loads based on ISTA, ASTM, AIAG, ISO standards
• Developing laboratory instrumentation using data acquisition systems
• Developing test setups for research projects
• Using an industrial forklift to evaluate the durability of pallets
• Assisting graduate students with their research projects
• Conducting research experiments
• Collecting and analyzing test data

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering, packaging science, mathematics or related field by date of hire; or a foreign equivalent degree by date of hire.
• Experience conducting standardized testing related to packaging, pallets, and unit loads
• Experience supporting research projects
• Ability to work in a team or independently
• Experience working in pallet testing laboratory
• Ability to use powered hand tools and wood shop tools
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs
• Certified forklift operator
• Ability to work on your feet in conditioned and unconditioned spaces

Preferred Qualifications

• Considerable years of work experience in pallet or packaging design and testing
• Experience teaching in a university setting
• Experience with using data collection and analysis using Labview or similar software

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

June 30, 2025

Additional Information

Please provide 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 and safe driving 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 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.

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 Trish Colley at colleyp@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: June 10, 2025
Applications close: