Post-Doctoral Associate - in Advanced Modeling and Simulation in Reusable Transport Packaging and Circular Economy

 

Classification Title:

Postdoc Aso

Job Description:

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF .

The postdoctoral researcher will engage in advanced research focused on evaluating reverse logistics for reusable packaging to meet EU circularity requirements for U.S. specialty crop exports as part of the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) Program. The successful candidate will lead and conduct independent research on mathematical modeling and simulation, perform data analysis, and contribute to the development of decision-support tools and manuscripts for publication. The role involves close collaboration with the Principal Investigator (PI), project partners the International Fresh Produce Association and Reusable Packaging Association, and other research team members at the University of Florida.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop mathematical models and simulations to enhance understanding and contribute to the improvement of circular packaging systems, including reverse logistics, as part of the global circular supply chains.

• Conceptualize and develop digital twins applied to food systems
• Conduct independent research on reverse logistics and sustainable packaging for U.S. specialty crops.
• Develop and test decision-support tools using artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, optimization, and other relevant systems modeling techniques.
• Analyze data related to the economic viability, carbon footprint, and labor implications of reusable packaging supply chains.
• Prepare research manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Assist in the preparation of grant proposals and reports on related topics.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students involved in the project.
• Collaborate with researchers within the lab, department, and industry partners.

Salary: This is a full-time, grant-funded, 24-month position with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. Salary is competitive and includes a benefits package.

For further inquiries about the position, please contact Dr. Ziynet Boz, ziynetboz@ufl.edu

The University of Florida is a Land-Grant, Sea-Grant, and Space-Grant institution, encompassing virtually all academic and professional disciplines, with an enrollment of more than 56,000 students.  UF is a member of The Association of American Universities.  The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences includes the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Florida Sea Grant program, and encompasses 16 on-campus academic departments and schools, 12 Research and Educational Centers (REC) located throughout the state, 6 Research sites/demonstration units administered by RECs or academic departments, and Florida Cooperative Extension Service offices in all 67 counties (counties operate and maintain). The School of Natural Resources and Environment is an interdisciplinary unit housed in IFAS and managed by several colleges on campus.  UF/IFAS employs nearly 4,500 people, which includes approximately 990 salaried faculty and 1,400 permanent support personnel located in Gainesville and throughout the state. IFAS, one of the nation’s largest agricultural and natural resources research and education organizations, is administered by a Vice President and four deans: the Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Dean for Extension and Director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the Dean for Research and Director of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine.  UF/IFAS also engages in cooperative work with Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.

Expected Salary:

Commensurate with Education and Experience

Minimum Requirements:

• A Ph.D. (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong background in AI, machine learning, network design, and systems modeling.
• Experience with mathematical modeling, simulation, and optimization in supply chain logistics.
• Familiarity with the digital twin technologies
• Demonstrated experience in publishing scientific papers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values . 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in software tools such as Python, R, MATLAB, or similar for AI and simulation tasks.
• Experience in sustainable packaging, reverse logistics, or developing digital decision-support tools.
• Experience in sustainability assessments, e.g., life-cycle assessment (LCA), techno-economic analysis (TEA)  
• Previous experience in mentoring
• Familiarity with the European Union’s Circular Economy Action Plan and packaging regulations.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

• Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF and submit:
• Cover letter cover letter detailing their research interests and experience
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information (including email addresses) for 3 individuals willing to write letters of recommendation

Selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible.  Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. The University of Florida is a public institution and subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information, and veteran status in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotion, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.

Health Assessment Required: No