Available Graduate Opportunities

Research Project Description: Polyethylene (PE) makes up 40% of all plastic film, most of which is unrecyclable, highlighting the need for biodegradable alternatives. A surprising natural model of biodegradable PE-like plastic film exists in Colletes bees, which build nests from a polyester chemically similar to PE but which disintegrates rapidly in the soil. This project will investigate the nest’s degradation mechanism and apply it to the design of biodegradable  polyethylene-like plastics. Specific project scope will be determined based on candidate expereince and interest.

Research Project Description: Mechanical recycling of mixed plastics is limited by the immiscibility of different polymers, which leads to brittle, phase-separated blends. Block polymers additives can compatibilize these blends by lowering interfacial tension and improving toughness, but how block polymer architecture — which can dramatically impact how the additive interacts with the blend components — governs compatibilization remains poorly understood. This project will investigate this relationship to guide the design of highly efficient compatibilizers for mixed plastic recycling.

Research Project Description: The Department of Sustainable Biomaterials has over a decade of history in the cross-laminated-timber (CLT) research and application. Virginia Tech researchers have developed a CLT structural analysis methodologies, predicted strength properties for new species and configurations, in addition to investigating the use of hardwood in CLT manufacture. We continue to push innovation for CLT and wood materials through research, education and outreach. 

We seek a highly motivated and collaborative researcher with expertise in wood science, sustainable materials, or engineering to contribute to our ongoing research on improving the hygrothermal performance, structural modeling, and durability of CLT, including hybrid and thermally modified wood systems.

Required Qualifications: 

•  Ph.D. in Sustainable biomaterials, wood science, engineering or related 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.
• Demonstrated experience in wood property testing, mass timber research and wood adhesion studies.
• Proven record of publishing refereed journal articles and presenting at professional conferences.
• Strong understanding of wood physics and experience in developing physics-informed models related to hygrothermal or moisture diffusion processes.
• Experience with experimental design, data collection, and analysis.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lift or carry 50 lbs., and obtain and maintain a valid Virginia Driver's license.
• Position requires considerable walking, standing, stooping, and bending, and requires the use of personal protective equipment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Skills in modeling and simulation, preferably using scientific machine learning (SciML) or related computational approaches, with emphasis on physics-informed or mechanics-informed modeling.
• Experience with the manufacture of and testing of thermally modified wood properties

Research Project Description: The Department of Sustainable Biomaterials at Virginia Tech invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate to support a project titled “Advancing the Competitiveness of Virginia’s Forest Sector Industry: A Mixed-Methods Approach.” This interdisciplinary research initiative integrates stakeholder engagement, market analysis, and policy evaluation to develop a strategic competitiveness framework for Virginia’s forest sector.

The successful candidate will work closely with Dr. Pipiet Larasatie and collaborators across academia, industry, and extension to conduct mixed-methods research, develop extension materials, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications. The position offers opportunities for professional development in applied research, science communication, and stakeholder collaboration.

Required Qualifications: 

• Ph.D. in Forest Products, Forestry, Natural Resources, Sustainability, or a related 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.
• Demonstrated experience in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with stakeholder engagement or extension programming.
• Familiarity with statistical software (e.g., SPSS) and qualitative analysis tools (e.g., NVivo).
• Knowledge of forest sector dynamics, rural development, or bioeconomy transitions.
• Experience in publishing peer-reviewed research and developing outreach materials.