Assistant/Associate Professor of Practice in Packaging Systems and Design

Virginia Tech • Blacksburg, VA

42d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Sustainable Biomaterials is seeking an accomplished packaging professional and educator for the position of Professor of Practice at the Assistant or Associate level in Packaging Systems and Design (PSD). This role will provide essential instructional leadership, expand experiential and international education, strengthen industry partnerships, and prepare students for careers in the evolving packaging sector. The position is structured with 75% teaching, 10% applied scholarship/industry engagement, and 15% service. The faculty member will play a central role in departmental coordination for internships (PSD Bridge Experience) and industry-sponsored capstone activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in packaging science/engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, wood science, sustainable biomaterials, or a closely related field by appointment start date.
• Several years of industrial or applied professional experience in packaging systems, design, CAD, product development, or related areas.
• Demonstrated ability to teach, mentor, or train students or professionals in applied settings.
• Evidence of strong industry relationships and the ability to support experiential learning and career preparation.
• Ability to travel nationally and internationally to support student travel.

Nice To Haves

• Masters or Doctoral degree in packaging science/engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, wood science, sustainable biomaterials, or a closely related field by appointment start date.
• Experience with packaging CAD, structural design, capstone or sponsored-project instruction, and emerging AI-enabled design workflows.
• Experience leading international or study-abroad education.
• Engagement with professional organizations such as ISTA, PMMI, IoPP, or the Sustainable Packaging Coalition.
• Experience developing industry-sponsored educational projects or internship pipelines.
• Experience with AI implementation in an educational format.
• Experience with AI use during the packaging development process.
• Professional credentials and certifications such as CPP, PDP, etc.

Responsibilities

• Provide instructional leadership in Packaging Systems and Design.
• Expand experiential and international education opportunities.
• Strengthen industry partnerships.
• Prepare students for careers in the packaging sector.
• Coordinate the PSD Bridge Experience (internships).
• Coordinate industry-sponsored capstone activities.
• Teach courses including SBIO 2004 Computer-Aided Design in Packaging and SBIO 4054 Packaging Practicum.
• Teach SBIO 3954 Culture, History and Environment study abroad.
• Develop a new advanced computer-aided design course within the first two years.
• Assume leadership of study abroad experiences, including those in Ireland and Australia/New Zealand.
• Integrate emerging technologies, including the responsible use of artificial intelligence, into structural design and capstone problem-solving.
• Lead an industry-funded undergraduate capstone model.
• Present project outcomes at professional or national conferences.
• Develop sustained relationships with packaging industry associations and employers.
• Use professional networks to expand internship opportunities, sponsored projects, mentoring, and career opportunities for students.

Benefits

• Endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities.
• Endorses and encourages participation in university shared governance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level