Job Information
Michigan State University(MSU) Research Associate-Fixed Term in East Lansing, Michigan
Position Summary
A Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Associate position is available in the fields of operations research and supply chain management. The position is funded by Dr. Mahmoudi's recently awarded NSF fund. The postdoctoral fellow will design and implement an optimization-based decision-support model to size and operate the reusable-container pool for a Whirlpool refurbishment center, enabling a smooth transition from single-use to reusable packaging. The successful candidate will primarily work with Dr. Monireh Mahmoudi from the School of Packaging, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, at Michigan State University, and Dr. Leandro Coelho from the Operations and Decision Systems Department at Université Laval, Canada.
This position is contingent upon completion of your Ph.D. degree and receipt of appropriate employment authorization from the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The appointee will be responsible for 1) conducting research and taking leadership in writing research papers and grant proposals; and 2) developing collaboration with other research teams and industry partners.
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
Doctorate -Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain/Operations Management, Applied Mathematics
Minimum Requirements
Requirements:
- Ph.D. in Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain/Operations Management, Applied Mathematics, or a related field (completed or very near completion by the start date).
- Advanced knowledge of mathematical optimization (e.g., linear and mixed-integer programming, network/flow models, inventory/lot-sizing, and, ideally, stochastic or robust optimization).
- Hands-on experience formulating and solving models with Gurobi and/or IBM ILOG CPLEX.
- Strong coding and data skills in Python and R for analysis and model pipelines.
Clear, professional communication---strong academic writing and presentation skills; ability to prepare manuscripts and stakeholder-facing reports.
Required Application Materials
As part of the application process, please submit your application on line or send the following application materials to Dr. Monireh Mahmoudi ().
- Current/Up-to-date full curriculum vitae
- Sample research papers (published, accepted, and/or working)
- Contact information of two references (please include email addresses and phone numbers).
Special Instructions
The search committee will review applications on the 15th of each month, starting from October 15, 2025, until the position is filled.
Review of Applications Begins On
10/15/2025
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
Department Statement
School of Packaging (College of Agriculture and Natural Resources) at Michigan State University:
The School of Packaging (SoP) holds the prestigious reputation of being the first, the largest, and the most comprehensive packaging school in higher education. The school educates students to thrive in careers such as packaging engineering, design, manufacturing, research and development, and sales. Our graduates can be found across most industries and global Fortune 500 comp