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Postdoctoral Food Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

... programming, workshops, and outreach activities Work directly with industry partners on applied ... food, financial, health, development, policy, environmental, and social needs in Virginia and ...

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$59K

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How much do postdoctoral food engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral food engineering in the United States is $59,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $66,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are typical collaboration opportunities for a Postdoctoral Food Engineering researcher within academia and industry?

As a Postdoctoral Food Engineering researcher, you will frequently collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including food scientists, chemical engineers, microbiologists, and industry partners. These collaborations often involve joint research projects, process optimization studies, and technology transfer initiatives. You'll have the opportunity to contribute to grant proposals, co-author publications, and participate in conferences, all of which can broaden your professional network and open doors for future academic or industry roles. Engaging with industry partners may also provide practical experience and insight into commercial applications of your research.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral Food Engineering vs Postdoctoral Food Science?

AspectPostdoctoral Food EngineeringPostdoctoral Food Science
Required CredentialsPhD in Food Engineering, Food Science, or related fieldPhD in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, academiaResearch labs, quality control labs, academia
Employer & Industry UsageFood manufacturing companies, research institutions, universitiesFood companies, research institutions, universities
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in food process development and engineeringUnderstanding roles in food product development and safety

Postdoctoral Food Engineering focuses on the application of engineering principles to food processing, equipment, and manufacturing systems. In contrast, Postdoctoral Food Science emphasizes understanding food composition, safety, and quality. Both roles require advanced degrees and are often found in research settings or industry, but they differ in their core focus areas and practical applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Postdoctoral Food Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Food Engineer, you need advanced knowledge in food science, process engineering, and experimental design, typically backed by a PhD in food engineering or a related discipline. Familiarity with analytical instrumentation, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and statistical software like MATLAB or R is commonly expected. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively distinguish top candidates. These skills are essential for advancing innovative research, ensuring experimental accuracy, and contributing to multidisciplinary teams in academic or industry settings.

What are postdoctoral food engineers?

Postdoctoral food engineers are researchers who have completed their doctoral studies (PhD) in food engineering or a related field and are pursuing advanced research, typically in academic or industrial settings. Their work often involves developing new food processing techniques, improving food safety, or enhancing food quality through innovative engineering solutions. They may also supervise students, publish scientific papers, and collaborate with industry partners to solve real-world food production challenges. Postdoctoral positions are usually temporary and are meant to help researchers gain further experience and expertise before moving on to permanent roles in academia, industry, or government.
Postdoctoral Scholar in Applied Physics

Postdoctoral Scholar in Applied Physics

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$67K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Harvard University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 532 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position
Details
Title
Postdoctoral Scholar in Applied Physics
School
Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Department/Area
Applied Physics
Position Description
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.
Basic Qualifications
Ph.D. in physics, applied physics, chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related discipline
Additional Qualifications
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.
Special Instructions
Please submit a current CV with publications listed and a detailed description of research experience, as well as a minimum of two reference letters.
Contact Information
Anna Frej
Contact Email
afrej@seas.harvard.edu
Salary Range
$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.
Minimum Number of References Required
2
Maximum Number of References Allowed
3
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