Botany and Plant Pathology Department at Purdue University
Senior Research Associate - Materials Engineering
Botany and Plant Pathology Department at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States, 47907
Senior Research Associate - Materials Engineering
The Hemp Product Utilization Consortium (HPUC) at Purdue University is an industry-driven initiative dedicated to advancing the sustainable use of hemp in food, packaging, and industrial sectors. A central priority of the consortium is to create value-added applications for hemp fiber and related co-products, helping to expand markets, strengthen supply chains, and establish hemp as a versatile and high-performance raw material. The Senior Research Associate in Materials Engineering will apply specialized expertise in materials science to the development, scale-up, and performance testing of hemp-based technologies. The role requires a seasoned professional who thrives in a research environment that bridges laboratory discovery and industrial application, works independently to design and conduct experiments, and determines next steps based on results. Responsibilities include: Designing and conducting experiments to evaluate hemp-derived fibers, composites, absorbents, and packaging materials. Independently determining next experimental directions and adapt approaches based on findings. Applying materials science and engineering methods to characterize and improve material performance. Innovating new approaches to enhance properties such as strength, durability, absorbency, and barrier functionality. Adapting laboratory protocols and engineering to pilot- and pre-commercial scale systems. Optimizing reactor conditions, processing parameters, and materials fabrication methods. Integrating materials engineering expertise with interdisciplinary perspectives to address complex research challenges. Collaborating with engineering teams and industry partners to ensure scalability and manufacturability of developed products. Compiling, analyzing, and interpreting experimental data to guide research outcomes. Maintaining accurate and organized records of experiments, engineering tools, analyses, and project progress. Summarizing findings in written forms for manuscripts, technical reports, grant applications, and presentations. Disseminating results from research projects through peer-reviewed publications, sponsor reports, and conference presentations. Requirements include: Master’s degree in Materials Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field. 2 years of experience in total, including materials development, testing, or scale-up. Competency with analytical equipment and techniques related to materials science and engineering. Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new techniques and develop specialized skills as research needs evolve. Strong foundation in engineering principles, including process design, scale-up, reactor optimization, and evaluation of manufacturing feasibility. Strong leadership, interpersonal, and mentoring skills. Purdue University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion. This is a 2-year limited duration position through 12/2027 with continuation dependent upon additional funding.
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The Hemp Product Utilization Consortium (HPUC) at Purdue University is an industry-driven initiative dedicated to advancing the sustainable use of hemp in food, packaging, and industrial sectors. A central priority of the consortium is to create value-added applications for hemp fiber and related co-products, helping to expand markets, strengthen supply chains, and establish hemp as a versatile and high-performance raw material. The Senior Research Associate in Materials Engineering will apply specialized expertise in materials science to the development, scale-up, and performance testing of hemp-based technologies. The role requires a seasoned professional who thrives in a research environment that bridges laboratory discovery and industrial application, works independently to design and conduct experiments, and determines next steps based on results. Responsibilities include: Designing and conducting experiments to evaluate hemp-derived fibers, composites, absorbents, and packaging materials. Independently determining next experimental directions and adapt approaches based on findings. Applying materials science and engineering methods to characterize and improve material performance. Innovating new approaches to enhance properties such as strength, durability, absorbency, and barrier functionality. Adapting laboratory protocols and engineering to pilot- and pre-commercial scale systems. Optimizing reactor conditions, processing parameters, and materials fabrication methods. Integrating materials engineering expertise with interdisciplinary perspectives to address complex research challenges. Collaborating with engineering teams and industry partners to ensure scalability and manufacturability of developed products. Compiling, analyzing, and interpreting experimental data to guide research outcomes. Maintaining accurate and organized records of experiments, engineering tools, analyses, and project progress. Summarizing findings in written forms for manuscripts, technical reports, grant applications, and presentations. Disseminating results from research projects through peer-reviewed publications, sponsor reports, and conference presentations. Requirements include: Master’s degree in Materials Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field. 2 years of experience in total, including materials development, testing, or scale-up. Competency with analytical equipment and techniques related to materials science and engineering. Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new techniques and develop specialized skills as research needs evolve. Strong foundation in engineering principles, including process design, scale-up, reactor optimization, and evaluation of manufacturing feasibility. Strong leadership, interpersonal, and mentoring skills. Purdue University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion. This is a 2-year limited duration position through 12/2027 with continuation dependent upon additional funding.
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