PhD Position in Food Structure

Syddansk Universitet

Odense, Syddanmark
Permanent
Fuldtid

21 dage siden

A 3-year PhD position in food structure research is available from August/September 2024 with SDU Biotechnology, Department of Green Technology, University of Southern Denmark. The position is part of the project 'microTexture: Unlocking the Secrets of Plant-Based through Investigations at Multiple Scales' founded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.The application deadline is 10 May 2024 at 23.59 (CET/CEST)About the project
The development of many sustainable foods is hindered by their inability to mimic texture from conventional foods. The structure of foods, as of any other materials, is hierarchically organized differently at different length scales (molecular-micro-macro). While the connection between microstructure and texture becomes more evident, the knowledge of how they are connected is still missing. This project is designed to unveil the physical mechanisms of how the different food macromolecules in plant-based milk alternatives aggregate, and how they impact perceived textural parameters. The overall aim is to tailor-design textures from plant-based dairy alternatives by applying structural understanding at different length scales. To achieve this objective, the PhD fellow is expected to develop skills with advanced microscopy systems and image analysis, for which proper training and supervision will be provided. Towards the end of the project the PhD fellow will work together with a sensory scientist to integrate and correlate the microstructural and textual data with sensory perceptions.About the candidate
We are looking for a candidate with a master's degree or equivalent in Food Science or related field, who has a curious mind-set and are highly motivated to pursue a PhD in this area. The candidate should have interest in developing a set of technical skills (e.g. microscopy, image analysis, rheology, etc.). English proficiency is required for this position and will be assessed during the interview process. Experience/knowledge/interest in plant-based foods is a plus. Previous experience with publication of scientific articles is also a plus.About the team
The PhD fellow will work in the SDU FOODLAB in the biotechnology section at the Department of Green Technology. The main supervisor will be Assistant Professor Jose C. Bonilla and co-supervision will be provided from Associate Professor Mathias P. Clausen. SDU FOODLAB explores the fundamentals of the microstructures that underline food texture and uses optical microscopy methods to unlock a structural scale previously inaccessible, intending to build a hierarchical understanding of food matrices from the molecular scale to macroscopic. The team includes several postdocs and one other PhD fellow working on this research line. The team consist of colleagues of diverse scientific backgrounds spanning from food science to biophysics. The Department of Green Technology is located at the main SDU campus in Odense, Denmark.Responsibilities of the successful PhD candidate

Carry-out the research project while maintaining continuous interaction with supervisors and other team members.
Complete PhD courses (30 ECTS).
Participate in an environmental exchange (research stay at an institution abroad).
Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities.
Write scientific articles aimed at high-impact journals in the field.
Write and defend a PhD thesis on your project.

ContactFor further information about the position and/or the project, please contact Assistant Professor Jose C. Bonilla or Associate Professor Mathias P. Clausen .If you experience technical problems, you must contact .Application procedureBefore applying the candidates are expected to read the , SDU information on , and Faculty information on .The application must be in English and must include:

Letter of motivation (max. 1 page).
Detailed Curriculum Vitae, including information about education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position (max. 2 pages).
Verified copies of the official Bachelor and Master's Diploma and transcripts of exams, both the original documents and in professional English translation. (If this is not available, please include a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution of supervisor - NOTE! You must provide the required diplomas later in order to be enrolled/employed)
Completed TEK PhD application form for 5+3 applicants. Find the form at the

. * Completed TEK PhD form for calculation grade point average. Find the form at the
. * An official document describing the grading scheme of the awarding universities (if not Danish).

For applicants from programmes that evaluate thesis/examination project by approved/not approved: Please submit an official and verified written assessment of the thesis or dissertation project from the grade giving institution. The statement must clearly state that the candidate has been among the top 30 pct. in the graduation class for the study programme.
References letters highlighting relevant qualifications for the position (up to 3). You're welcome to use the form for reference letter at the

. * List of publications and maximum 2 examples of relevant publications (in case you have any publications).Applications received after the deadline or outside the official recruitment portal will neither be considered nor evaluated.Assessment and selection processApplications will be assessed by an assessment committee or an expert. Shortlisting may be used. Only shortlisted candidates will be assessed. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the faculty. Interviews and tests may be part of the selection process.Conditions of employmentApplicants must hold a master's degree (equivalent to a Danish master's degree) at the time of enrollment and employment.Employment of a PhD fellow can only happen after the PhD School has approved the candidate for admission. Employment and enrollment will cease without further notice at the end of the period. A PhD fellow is not allowed to have any kind of sideline employment, while enrolled as PhD fellow at the faculty.Employment as a PhD fellow is a 3-year salaried position and is governed by the Protocol on PhD Research Fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations.The successful candidate will be enrolled at SDU in accordance with .The application deadline is 10 May 2024 at 23.59 (CET/CEST)Formalities

All files must be in English.
Documents should not contain a CPR number (civil registration number) - in this case, the CPR number must be crossed out.
The application and CV must not exceed 10 MB.

The University of Southern Denmark wishes to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position.for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.about The Faculty of Engineering.

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