PhD-Impact of fiber addition on protein digestion, development of toolbox

We are offering a truly interdisciplinary early-stage research experience, at the interface of material, food and medical science. The position offers interaction with diverse scientific communities at different organisations as well as industrial partners.

Information about the division
The PhD position is based within the department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Chalmers but will be carried out within the recently established center on Plant-based Protein for Health and Wellbeing - PAN Sweden.

The department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Chalmers has a long tradition of encouraging world leading research in an environment where people develop and create new knowledge. We take on major challenges ranging from basic research to industrial applications. Our research projects are often cross-border and are carried out in close cooperation with industry, institutes and other higher education institutions.

This is well reflected in the highly interdisciplinary research center of PAN Sweden where our aim is to couple material science with food and medical science in order to clarify the relationship between processing, food microstructure, bioavailability, digestion and fermentation with health. Our vision is that sustainably-produced food with health benefits will be the consumers preferred choice. We will achieve the vision through collaboration with Örebro University, SLU, Uppsala and RISE.

We are now looking to expand our scientific staff with early-stage researcher with a drive to combine material science with food and medical science. Focus will lay on development of responsive materials based on protein and polysaccharides and their response to digestion and fermentation.

-The details of the departmental research activities may be found here.

Major responsibilities
The successful candidates will be expected to:
• Characterise polysaccharides and proteins from a physico-chemical point of view.
• Develop new responsive materials from protein and polysaccharides.
• Characterise digestion and fermentation of protein, polysaccharides and their mixtures in-vitro.
• Assure communication with other PhD students and stakeholders in PAN-Sweden.
• Publish the findings in scientific journals and communicate them to the scientific (and industrial) community.
• Teach on undergraduate level.
• Participate in the activities of the Division of Applied Chemistry at Chalmers and PAN-Sweden.

For all PhD students at Chalmers
Your major responsibilities are to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing, both in Swedish and in English. The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 per cent of working hours.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Qualifications
Master of Science degree in chemistry, physics, food science, materials science or similar (at least 240 higher education credits in a relevant field). 
The position is suitable for chemists, physicists, food science and material scientists. However, a basic level of knowledge of working in a chemistry lab is required from all applicants.

Mandatory experiences and skills include experimental laboratory work and scientific writing skills. Experience of polymer, polysaccharide, protein characterisation and use, or experience of food digestion and fermentation is a plus. The candidate must also be proficient in spoken and written English.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate that has interest in experimental work in the laboratory. He/she should have a creative mindset, and the ability to comply to an experimental plan, execute it, report and reflect the progress in relation to the overall project.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20200648 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 26 February 2021

For questions, please contact:
Anna Ström, Applied chemistry, anna.strom@chalmers.se, 0721885101

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!