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MS

Two Funded PhD Positions – Packaging Dynamics (Spring & Fall 2027) @ Michigan State University

Michigan State University · East Lansing, MItoday

MS-level Academic / Postdoc roles on Crosslinked list a median of $73k (13 that show pay). This posting does not list pay.

Pursue a funded PhD on vibration, fracture and mechanical behavior of packaging structures like corrugated boxes and polymer foams.

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Combines FEM, vibration testing and AI/ML on underexplored packaging dynamics at a dedicated School of Packaging

Might not be for you. Mechanics and vibration focus; limited polymer chemistry or synthesis content

Bench and deskDeep specialist PhD-friendly

Adjacent materials roleMechanical testing of packaging materials; corrugated boards, polymer foams, fracture, composites; PhD in School of Packaging (materials/mechanics)

H-1B filings

Michigan State University filed 46 H-1B labor applications for scientist and engineer roles from Jan to Dec 2025.

Most common titles: Assistant Professor, Research Associate, Scientist (Frib/Nscl). Median filed pay: $95K a year.

Universities are exempt from the H-1B cap, so roles here skip the lottery.

From U.S. Department of Labor disclosure data. A filing is a record of past hiring, not a promise about this role, so confirm sponsorship with the employer. Titles and filed pay ·Every employer's filings

Seniority
Entry level
Work
On-site
Type
Full-time
Degree
MS
Industry
Packaging
Role
Academic / Postdoc
Materials
corrugated boardpolymer foam1 rolecomposites733 roles
Techniques
FEM modelingvibration analysis8 rolesDIC3 rolesuniversal testingaccelerometers1 roleshaker testing
Benefits
funded PhD position

Role details

Two Funded PhD Positions – Packaging Dynamics (Spring & Fall 2027)

School of Packaging, Michigan State University

https://www.canr.msu.edu/packaging/about_the_school/

We combine computational modeling, experimental mechanics, and vibration analysis to study how packaging structures—such as corrugated boxes, polymer foams, and the products they protect (fruits, electronics, etc.)—respond to real-world mechanical loads like compression, impact, and multi-axis transportation vibration, including when and why fractures occur. Packaging dynamics remains an underexplored field with strong research potential and broad career opportunities, as every industry depends on safe, efficient, and sustainable packaging.

The School of Packaging at Michigan State University (MSU) is seeking applicants for

two funded PhD positions

starting Spring 2027 and Fall 2027 in

Packaging Dynamics

, focusing on mechanical behavior, vibrations, stability and structural performance of packaging systems during transportation.

Basic Requirements

  • Master’s degree in Mechanical/Civil/Materials/Aerospace Engineering (solid mechanics focus) or Packaging.
  • Proficiency in MATLAB and/or Python
  • Experience with FEM tools (Abaqus, Ansys, LS-Dyna, etc.)
  • AI/ML familiarity
  • Demonstrated research experience (papers, abstracts, or strong thesis work)

Desired Skills

  • Background in vibrations, nonlinear dynamics, composites, fracture, or control
  • Lab experience with DIC, universal testers, accelerometers, shakers
  • Knowledge of packaging structures (corrugated boards, foams)
  • Exposure to multi-physics or fluid–structure modeling

Research Area

Projects address vibration-induced damage, mechanical testing of packaging materials, FEM modeling, and AI/ML-based prediction of package distribution hazards.

To Apply

Email your CV to

Amin Joodaky

at

[email protected]

.

Related roles

Common questions

Does Michigan State University sponsor H-1B visas?

Michigan State University has filed H-1B petitions with the US Department of Labor in past years, but this specific posting does not explicitly mention sponsorship for the Two Funded PhD Positions – Packaging Dynamics (Spring & Fall 2027) @ Michigan State University role. Confirm with the employer before applying if visa support is required.

Where is the Two Funded PhD Positions – Packaging Dynamics (Spring & Fall 2027) @ Michigan State University role at Michigan State University based?

This role is based in East Lansing, MI.

What degree is required for the Two Funded PhD Positions – Packaging Dynamics (Spring & Fall 2027) @ Michigan State University role at Michigan State University?

This role requires a MS.

What polymers or materials does this Two Funded PhD Positions – Packaging Dynamics (Spring & Fall 2027) @ Michigan State University role work with?

corrugated board, polymer foam, composites.

What techniques or methods are required for this Two Funded PhD Positions – Packaging Dynamics (Spring & Fall 2027) @ Michigan State University role?

FEM modeling, vibration analysis.