Senior Research Associate - Materials Engineering (West Lafayette, IN, US) bei Purdue University

Job Summary

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. HPUC brings together university researchers, industry partners, and stakeholders to translate innovative ideas into real-world products and processes. 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 be an integral contributor to this mission by applying 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. Efforts will focus on optimizing processing conditions, developing pilot- and pre-commercial scale methods, and establishing robust metrics for evaluating material properties such as strength, durability, absorbency, and barrier performance.

In addition, the Senior Research Associate will compile, analyze, and interpret experimental data; maintain accurate research records; and disseminate findings through technical reports, sponsor deliverables, conference presentations, and peer-reviewed publications. The position will also support proposal development, foster collaborations with external partners, and provide technical mentorship to students and staff. By integrating applied research with practical engineering solutions, this role directly advances the HPUC’s goal of building a strong innovation pipeline for hemp-based materials and reinforces Purdue’s leadership in sustainable materials engineering.

What You'll Be Doing:

• 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 (e.g., mechanical testing, thermal analysis, spectroscopy, microscopy) 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 (e.g., food science, process engineering) 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
• Contributing to and co-author peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and conference proceedings
• Staying current on emerging methods and advances in materials science through literature review, professional reading, and other learning opportunities
• Provide technical and engineering guidance and training to graduate students, undergraduates, and staff working on materials-related projects.
• Reviewing and troubleshooting research approaches to improve efficiency and accuracy
• Supporting overall HPUC goals by recommending process improvements and helping shape strategic research directions, drawing from a broad understanding of interdisciplinary issues and methods

What We're Looking For:

• Master’s degree in Materials Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field
• 2 years of experience in total is required. Required experience includes:
  • Materials development, testing, or scale-up
  • Demonstrated knowledge of materials characterization techniques such as mechanical testing, microscopy, spectroscopy, or thermal analysis gained through experience
  • Experience designing and conducting independent experiments
  • Experience applying systematic engineering approaches to translate laboratory methods into pilot- or industrial-scale processes
  • Experience guiding students and staff in research environments
• Competency with analytical equipment and techniques related to materials science and engineering, including mechanical testing, microscopy, spectroscopy, and thermal analysis.
• 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
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and apply problem-solving strategies to complex and ambiguous challenges
• Excellent organizational skills with the capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously while striving for continual improvement
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in experimental design, data collection, and reporting
• Ability to compile, analyze, and interpret data to inform research decisions
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with experience presenting to diverse audiences and contributing to peer-reviewed publications
• Proven ability to work independently while effectively collaborating across disciplines and with external partners

Nice to Have:

• Ph.D. in Materials Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field
• Postdoctoral or equivalent research experience
• Experience in scaling laboratory processes to pilot or industrial systems, including optimization of reactor conditions and processing parameters
• Evidence of contributions to peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, or grant proposals
• Knowledge of or interest in sustainable biomaterials, biopolymers, or plant-derived fibers for industrial applications

What We'd Like You to Know:

• This is a 2-year limited duration position through 12/2027 with continuation dependent upon additional funding. 
• Learn more about Purdue’s benefits summary
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A Background Check is required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions Waiting Period