Postdoctoral Associate - Forest Sector Competitiveness

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.

• 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.

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Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

November 30, 2025

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check and driving check.

Interested Applicants Should Submit The Following Materials

• Cover Letter outlining research interests and alignment with the project.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) including publications and relevant experience.
• Contact Information for Three References.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

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