Careers at Virginia Tech

The Department of Sustainable Biomaterials is looking for a person with strong research and publication skills to support engineering design for the use of wood in transportation.

The individual will be responsible for:
• Conducting research related to the mechanical strength of wood, wood composites and connections used in wood transportation packaging (nails, screws, brackets, etc.).
• Knowledge of supply chain for wooden containers including transportation, logistics, storage conditions, and support conditions.
• Collecting and analyzing test data, analysis and presentation of results.
• Publishing results in reports, refereed journals and professional conferences as appropriate.

• Ph.D. in sustainable biomaterials, packaging or related engineering or material science field. PhD must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.
• Experience conducting standardized testing related to wood properties and connections, wood in transportation packaging research or similar engineering materials.
• Demonstrated record of publishing refereed journal articles and presenting at professional conferences.
• Knowledge of the current design methods for wood materials in the United States including the National Design Specification for Wood Construction (NDS).
• Experience with design of experiments and sampling size of materials
• Experience supporting research projects
• Ability to work in a team or independently
• Good interpersonal skills

• Have an EIT (Engineer-In-Training) Designation
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) methods and tools
• Experience programming with C++
• Experience using numerical methods, including linear algebra, for structural modeling

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Restricted

Starting at $55,000, commensurate with experience

40

February 10, 2026

Candidates will be expected to provide a 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.

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 Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 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.