Postdoctoral Research Associate Polymer & Food Protection

Position Title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate -

Polymer & Food Protection Appointment Type:

Post Doc/Trainee Job Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

Post Doc with the Polymer and Food Protection Consortium, working with plastic packaging and recycling to evaluate contamination, regulation, and properties.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

PhD Preferred Qualifications:

Experience operating and interpreting data from analytical and characterization equipment, including: Universal Mechanical Testing Machine Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) DTG thermal analyzer FT‑IR spectroscopy Colorimeter UV‑Vis spectrophotometer Zetasizer Nano ZS Gas permeability testing systems Experience conducting polymer physical‑chemical analyses, including thermal, mechanical, and spectroscopic characterization. Experience performing physical‑chemical analyses and electrochemical measurements. Experience in manufacturing and processing polymer films from a variety of polymer sources.

Department/Program & College Description:

The Polymer and Food Protection Consortium at Iowa State University conducts industry‑relevant research to develop innovative solutions that improve the design, safety, and functionality of materials used in packaging and industrial applications. Through a combination of fundamental and applied research, the consortium supports industry partners and actively drives knowledge and technology transfer to help address real‑world challenges in packaging, materials performance, and food safety.

Department Unit/Website:

Polymer and Food Protection Consortium Proposed Start Date:

May 18, 2026

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

April 30, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12

Month Work Period Time Type:

Full time

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following: 1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae 2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or

Toll Free:

1-877-477-7485. Why Choose ISU? Iowa State Postdocs enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program

Wellbeing Program Original Posting Date:

April 3, 2026

Posting Close Date:

April 9, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R18912