Sustainability and Packaging Analyst

Why RTI

RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach - one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world’s most challenging problems.

We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you.

About the Hiring Group

RTI's Center for Innovation and Applied Economics helps clients build innovation capacity, generate insight, and accelerate technology from lab to market. As an Innovation Analyst focused on food and consumer-packaged goods (CPG), you will work on sustainability and circular economy challenges, conduct rigorous research, and translate findings into actionable recommendations for clients across commercial, government, and NGO sectors.

What You'll Do

In this role, you will:

• Conduct primary and secondary research on market, technology, regulatory, and sustainability trends in CPG and food.
• Lead and support foresight and horizon-scanning activities; develop scenarios to inform strategy.
• Scout and assess emerging technologies, partners, and business models across academia, startups, and industry; evaluate feasibility, scalability, and potential impact
• Deliver research that supports our clients’ circular economy initiatives (e.g., packaging, materials recovery, waste valorization, supply chain resilience) and advise on pathways from lab to market for emerging technologies.
• Synthesize complex information into clear, compelling deliverables (reports, presentations, workshops) for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Leverage artificial intelligence tools responsibly, balancing adoption of leading-edge tools with a high bar for scientific rigor, quality, and validation of findings by human experts.
• Collaborate with cross-functional, international teams; manage tasks, timelines, and client communications to deliver high-quality work on time.
• Facilitate meetings and present interim and final findings to clients and stakeholders.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive team culture while upholding RTI’s mission and values.

What You'll Need

Minimum Qualifications:

• 1–2 years of total experience related to sustainability, circular economy, or packaging.
• Bachelor's degree in science or engineering with interdisciplinary R&D experience.
• Business acumen and some familiarity with innovation management, technology transfer/commercialization, or consulting.
• Strong scientific communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences; strong analytical and time-management skills.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work beyond your core field; comfort learning new scientific or technical domains quickly.
• Team-centric mindset and strong interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented, self-directed, and comfortable working both independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency with MS Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word) and collaboration tools (e.g., Teams); a desire to learn and drive responsible use of artificial intelligence technologies in scientific research.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with recycling, food science, or chemical formulation, especially for household and personal care products.
• Degrees in chemistry, materials or polymer science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or biomolecular engineering; advanced degrees may be considered as R&D experience, especially if commercialization of research was explored.
• Certificates or degrees related to recycling or waste management.
• Familiarity with innovation consulting such as foresight methods, horizon scanning, or technology scouting.
• To qualify, applicants must be legally authrozied to work in the United States and should not require now, or in the future, sponsorship for employment visa status.

Other Notes:

• This is a full-time position. You may telework, work from our headquarters in Research Triangle Park, NC, or work in a hybrid model.
• Please include a cover letter with your application that explains why you want to join our team and how your experience aligns with this Innovation Analyst role.
• We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds whose experiences align with these qualifications.

EEO & Pay Equity Statements

For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is available here.

RTI accepts applications to our job openings from candidates with criminal histories or conviction records in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

For Applicants in Massachusetts Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States. RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.

Equal Pay Act Minimum/Range

$76,000 - $93,000