Postdoctoral Fellow in Bioinspired Materials for VOC Indoor Air Quality Assessment

Postdoctoral Fellow in Bioinspired Materials for VOC Indoor Air Quality Assessment

Company:
Harvard University

Job Location:
Cambridge, 02138

Category:
Civil and Environmental Engineering

Type:
Full-Time

School: Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Department/Area: Material Science & Mechanical Engineering

Position Description

The Aizenberg Lab at Harvard University is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join a multidisciplinary team to lead a field-based study characterizing volatile organic compound (VOC) exposure across diverse real-world indoor environments. This role offers the opportunity to conduct mobile sensor measurements, analyze air quality data, and generate insights to support the commercialization of novel VOC detection technology.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct mobile field measurements using air sensors across commercial, residential, transportation, and occupational settings
• Collect and synthesize environmental data, contextual observations, and metadata
• Perform statistical and qualitative analysis to identify VOC exposure patterns and chemical signatures
• Generate findings to inform product-market fit, sensor design, and deployment strategy
• Prepare results into a manuscript for peer-reviewed journal
• Communicate project progress and coordinate with research team

Duration:

• 3 ½ months

Preferred start date as soon as possible but flexible.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in engineering, building science or related field

Additional Qualifications

• Strong data analysis and statistical skills
• Excellent written communication
• Ability to work independently and manage project timelines
• Field research experience
• Knowledge of building systems
• Degree in computer science

Special Instructions

Applicants should include a full CV, cover letter summarizing your experience, list of reference contacts (minimum of 3), and up to 3 publications.

Contact Information

Marina McLaughlin

Contact Email: mclaughl@g.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: 3

Maximum Number of References Allowed: 5