Postdoctoral Research Associate - Sustainable Packaging

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 postdoctoral fellowship is a joint position between the University of Maine and the USFS Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, Wisconsin. The objective 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.

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 available at umaine.edu
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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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

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…