We are hiring a Postdoc/Research Associate, urgently!This is an NSERC funded position

About the job

Job Posting: Postdoctoral Research Associate Position – Biopolymer Formulation and Sustainable Packaging

Location: University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) in Prince George, with collaborative work at Vancouver Island with industry partners

Position Type: Full-Time, 1.5-Year Contract (extendable based on project progression and performance)

Start Date: ASAP – Applications accepted until the position is filled

Position Overview: The UNBC Materials Technology and Environmental Research (MATTER) team, in collaboration with SeaWise Packaging , is seeking a talented Postdoctoral Research Associate with expertise in biopolymer formulation for sustainable packaging applications. This role is essential to our project on developing a compostable alternative to expanded polystyrene (EPS) for food packaging, focusing on advancing Canada’s circular economy and environmental sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Biopolymer Formulation and Extrusion: Develop, test, and optimize biopolymer blends to create expandable, compostable beads suitable for cold-chain seafood packaging. Expertise in extrusion processing and formulation design is essential.
• Industry Collaboration: Engage in hands-on work at both UNBC’s biopolymer lab and at our partner’s site on Vancouver Island. This collaboration provides a unique opportunity for candidates to gain industrial experience and the potential to join the industry team based on project success.
• Technical Development: Oversee critical aspects of extrusion processing, thermal and mechanical property optimization, and biodegradability/compostability testing in alignment with ASTM standards.

Qualifications:

• PhD in Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field (required at the time of application).
• Strong experience in biopolymer formulation and familiarity with extrusion technology.
• Candidates must be eligible to work in Canada (Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or individuals with a valid Canadian work permit).
• Industrial experience or previous collaboration with industry partners is an asset.

Compensation: This position offers a highly competitive salary based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. The exact compensation will be discussed during the interview process.

Why Join Us?

• Industry Experience: Gain hands-on experience both in an academic lab and in an industry setting, with exposure to both research and commercialization phases.
• Career Advancement Opportunities: Strong potential for a future role with our industry partner, contingent upon project success and candidate performance.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Access to cutting-edge research infrastructure at UNBC and collaboration with innovative industry partners.

How to Apply: Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV, a brief cover letter highlighting their relevant experience, and contact information for at least two professional references to : hossein.kazemian@unbc.ca. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Note: Candidates MUST hold a PhD and be eligible to work in Canada. This position offers an unparalleled opportunity to bridge academic research with industrial applications, driving real-world impact in the field of sustainable biopolymers.