Sustainability and Packaging Analyst

RTI International•Durham, NC

About The Position

RTI International is hiring an analyst in its Center for Innovation and Applied Economics to support work on sustainability and circular economy challenges in food and consumer-packaged goods. The role involves conducting rigorous research and translating findings into actionable recommendations for commercial, government, and NGO clients. The analyst researches market, technology, regulatory, and sustainability trends; supports foresight and horizon-scanning activities; develops scenarios; and assesses emerging technologies, partners, and business models. The work also supports client circular economy initiatives—including packaging, materials recovery, waste valorization, and supply chain resilience—and helps identify pathways for emerging technologies from lab to market. The position synthesizes complex information into reports, presentations, and workshops; communicates findings to clients and stakeholders; and collaborates with cross-functional, international teams while managing tasks, timelines, and client communications. The analyst is expected to use artificial intelligence tools responsibly while maintaining scientific rigor and human validation, and to contribute to an inclusive team culture aligned with RTI’s mission and values. The position is full-time and may be performed by telework, at RTI’s headquarters in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, or in a hybrid model.

Requirements

1–2 years of total experience related to sustainability, circular economy, or packaging.
Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering with interdisciplinary R&D experience.
Business acumen and some familiarity with innovation management, technology transfer or commercialization, or consulting.
Strong scientific communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences, along with strong analytical and time-management skills.
Demonstrated ability and willingness to work beyond one’s core field and learn new scientific or technical domains quickly.
Team-centric mindset and strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Detail-oriented, self-directed, and comfortable working independently and collaboratively.
Proficiency with MS Office (PowerPoint, Excel, and Word) and collaboration tools such as Teams, and willingness to learn and drive responsible use of artificial intelligence technologies in scientific research.
Legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring employment visa sponsorship now or in the future.
Submit a cover letter explaining interest in joining the team and how experience aligns with the Innovation Analyst role.

Nice To Haves

Experience with recycling, food science, or chemical formulation, especially for household and personal care products.
Degrees in chemistry, materials or polymer science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or biomolecular engineering.
Advanced degrees may be considered as R&D experience, especially when commercialization of research was explored.
Certificates or degrees related to recycling or waste management.
Familiarity with innovation consulting methods such as foresight, horizon scanning, or technology scouting.

Responsibilities

Conduct primary and secondary research on market, technology, regulatory, and sustainability trends in consumer-packaged goods and food.
Lead and support foresight and horizon-scanning activities and develop scenarios to inform strategy.
Scout and assess emerging technologies, partners, and business models across academia, startups, and industry, evaluating feasibility, scalability, and potential impact.
Deliver research supporting clients’ circular economy initiatives, including packaging, materials recovery, waste valorization, and supply chain resilience.
Advise on pathways from lab to market for emerging technologies.
Synthesize complex information into clear deliverables, including reports, presentations, and workshops, for technical and non-technical audiences.
Use artificial intelligence tools responsibly while maintaining scientific rigor, quality, and human expert validation of findings.
Collaborate with cross-functional, international teams and manage tasks, timelines, and client communications to deliver high-quality work on time.
Facilitate meetings and present interim and final findings to clients and stakeholders.
Contribute to a positive, inclusive team culture while upholding RTI’s mission and values.