A postdoctoral scholar is sought to study and understand the physical principles underlying how natural dyes and pigments affect the color of foods. Natural dyes and pigments are difficult to incorporate in food formulations because they are generally not as photostable as synthetic dyes, and they are not as easy to disperse or dissolve. The candidate will join the group of Prof. Vinothan N. Manoharan at Harvard SEAS to develop an understanding of how the physical states of the dye and other components in the food formulation determine the color. The project combines experimental characterization (spectroscopy, microscopy, and light scattering) with modeling of light transport. The postdoc will primarily work on the experimental studies but will also have the opportunity to participate in computational and analytical modeling. This postdoc will also be responsible for reporting results to the industrial sponsor of the project.

Funding for this project runs until April 30, 2027, and therefore preference will be given to candidates who can start in January 2026, but applications from candidates with a later start date will also be considered.

Ph.D. in physics, applied physics, chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related discipline

Proficiency in experimental measurements of optical properties of materials, including (for example) spectroscopy, light scattering, and/or microscopy. A background in soft materials, complex fluids, or colloidal science is desirable but not strictly required.

Please submit a current CV with publications listed and a detailed description of research experience, as well as a minimum of two reference letters.

Anna Frej

$67,600 – $91,826

Pay offered to the selected candidate is dependent on factors such as rank, years of experience, training or qualification, field of scholarship, and accomplishments in the field.