The School of Packaging (www.canr.msu.edu/packaging) in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University (MSU) is seeking qualified applicants for a Specialist-Teacher position. This is a 100% time fixed-term position with a teaching /outreach & service (90%/10%) assignment with a potential start date of August 16, 2025
Responsibilities: The preferred candidate should have experience which enables diverse learners to develop technical knowledge related to a variety of different packaging topics. Industry experience and the ability to synthesize industry experiences to course topics is preferred.
Teaching (90%) - The position focuses on teaching core and elective undergraduate and graduate packaging classes that leverage broad expertise focused on packaging. Areas of teaching will build from a broad experience related to packaging science, including but not limited to areas of packaging materials and processes, package design, data analytics, various packaging-specific software, as well as supply chain issues having to do with the value chain and distribution dynamics. Coverage of these topics could range from introductory level to project-based applications with external clients and will be tailored to the candidate’s interests and experience. Curricular development should include recent research and reflect current industry needs and trends. To develop an understanding of the entire portfolio of courses offered by the School of Packaging, please reference MSU’s Course Catalog and search course subject “PKG.” Teaching responsibilities will also extend into the outreach & service appointment (as indicated below).
The candidate will be expected to engage, inspire and support all learners (from packaging students to professionals) to ensure learning objectives are met. Learning outcomes will be measured through the use and assessment of various pedagogical strategies that engage learners with a breadth of learning styles while fostering a sense of student belonging to the school and the discipline of Packaging. Active learning strategies and effective pedagogical methods are a must for this position.
Outreach & Service (10%) – The candidate will provide instruction for non-degree and continuing education learners and industry professionals. The ideal candidate will provide and deliver novel, forward-thinking content for all levels of learners. Outreach & service examples are, teaching non-credit short courses for industry professionals, leading student organizations, participating in School and university committees, assisting with the online master's program, and networking with university partners.
The successful applicant will mentor students academically, provide support and oversight for school programs, and liaise with industry and other academic partners to enrich the student experience. Additionally, the candidate will be expected to participate in school governance in accordance with the School of Packaging’s by-laws. One example of school governance is participation in the school’s curriculum committee.
Michigan State University – School of Packaging: As the premier Land Grant University, MSU has strong interrelated programs across the spectrum of food, health, and sustainability and is committed to linking food, environment, and human health. The School of Packaging, founded in 1952, is the leading institution in packaging education and research. As the only university offering a Ph.D. program in packaging, the School of Packaging at MSU attracts students from a variety of disciplines around the world. The school is poised for significant growth that will support MSU goals. Furthermore, the highly collaborative and productive faculty provides a positive environment for professional growth and program expansion.
The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) at Michigan State University is committed to achieving excellence by creating and sustaining an accessible and inclusive culture that values cultural and academic diversity. We are an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. The CANR is particularly interested in candidates of all backgrounds who are committed to the principle that academic excellence is achieved through open access and proactive inclusion.
MSU enjoys a park-like campus with outlying research facilities and natural areas. The campus is located in the city of East Lansing, adjacent to the capital city of Lansing. The Lansing metropolitan area has a diverse population of approximately 450,000. Local communities have excellent school systems and place a high value on education. The University is proactive about its obligations under the ADA and provides individual accessibility plans to students and employees with disabilities. Michigan State University is also proactive in exploring opportunities for employment for dual career families, both inside and outside the University, and respects all family forms. Information about MSU’s dual career support and other work-life resources are available from the MSU Worklife Office. Information about benefits at MSU is provided on the Human Resources website.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Masters -Packaging, Material Science
Desired Degree
Doctorate -Packaging, Chemistry,
Minimum Requirements
Qualifications: Interested candidates must have the following qualifications: a) MS or PhD in Packaging, Engineering, Material Science, Chemistry, Environmental or similar, MBA, or Master’s in education, and b) have a minimum of 2 years of experience working with packaging or teaching in a related STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field.
Desired Qualifications
Experience with and teaching in packaging preferred.
Required Application Materials
Application Procedure: Qualified applicants should submit the following:
(a) cover letter including your passion(s) within the broad field of packaging and the value you can bring to the role
(b) current resume or curriculum vitae
(c) statement of Teaching Philosophy (limited to 2 pages)
(d) a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) statement*, and
(e) the names and email addresses of three professional references.
*The DEI statement should provide a summary of the candidate’s experience with creating diverse and inclusive environments and mentoring diverse populations.
The statement should end with the candidate’s ability to contribute to our goal of creating a diverse community that inspires a sense of belonging for all (limited to 1 page).
Special Instructions
The review of applications will begin on February 17, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.
Inquiries about the position should be addressed to Tracy Lorenz, Administrative Assistant, School of Packaging, Michigan State University, East Lansing MI 48824-1325. Telephone 517 353-4384, E-mail: smithtr7@msu.edu.
Review of Applications Begins On
03/03/2025
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Website
WWW.PACKAGING.MSU.EDU
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
Spartans work every day to advance the common good in uncommon ways.Together, we tackle some of the world?s toughest problems to find solutions that make life better?from alternative energy to better food safety to breakthrough medical and environmental applications achieved through rare isotope research.We teach. We explore and we discover. We collaborate and lead. We innovate, inspire, and empower. We achieve our potential and create circumstances that help our students and others achieve theirs.We're good at it, and we've been at it for more than 150 years.The nation?s pioneer land-grant university, MSU began as a bold experiment that democratized higher education and helped bring science and innovation into everyday life. The revolutionary concept became a model for the nation.Today, MSU is one of the top research universities in the world?on one of the biggest, greenest campuses in the nation. Home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs, we?re a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists and leaders.In ways both practical and profound, we work to create a stronger, more sustainable, and more hopeful future for all.
