PhD student position in Food Science

Information about the research/the project/the division
Biology and Biological Engineering has four divisions; Food and Nutrition Science, Systems and Synthetic Biology, Industrial Biotechnology and Chemical Biology. A new PhD-student position is now vacant at Food and Nutrition Science. The research at Food and Nutrition science focus on nutritional solutions for disease prevention by studies on the molecular, cellular, and whole-body level. We also center on research that aims to promote high food quality, minimize losses throughout the value chain and to utilize alternative sources for production of nutrients. To this end, projects address e.g. the development of methods for adding value to underutilized marine raw materials, improvement of nutritional and sensory properties in fish, seaweed, cereals, fruits and greens, as well as the link between food processing and technical functionality, bioactivity, digestibility as well as bioavailability of food compounds. We also study the active response to food compounds in human cell models and animal models, and conduct human studies in collaboration with the medical faculty. Food and Nutrition science currently consists of approximately 45 people with varying backgrounds within fields such as chemistry, biology, biotechnology and nutrition.

The aim of this PhD-project is to investigate whether a diet rich in high fibre whole grain vs refined grain leads to weight loss, lower body fat content and wherther such effects are dependent on gut microbiota in different randomized controlled dietary intervention trials. Short-gun metagenomics analysis of gut microbiota and metabolomics will be applied to address mechanisms underlying potential intervention effects.

Major responsibilities
- Conduct a 12 wk randomized controlled trail to evaluate effects of high-fibre cereal foods on weight loss and body fat among 260 overweight subjects.

- Coordinate the trail activities with nurses, dietitians, technicians and the principle investigators

- Conduct data and laboratory analyses related to the trial

- Analyze data from a multi-centre study on long-term effects of low GI diet. The study has been conducted.

- Write scientific articles and present data at international and national meetings and conferences

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
To qualify as a PhD student, the applicant must hold a Master's level degree in biological engineering, food and nutrition science, medicine or similar. 

- Fluent Swedish in writing and speaking, strong communication and analytical skills are mandatory requirements.

- Fluent English in writing and speaking, strong communication and analytical skills are also required.

- Experience from randomized controlled trials and from studies on the health effects of carbohydrate rich foods are great merits.

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 20200086 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 research fields and main research results
• 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, eg. 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: 10th of March 2020



For questions, please contact:
Professor Rikard Landberg, Food and Nutrition Science,
rikard.landberg@chalmers.se
072-3509386

*** 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 eight Areas of Advance; Building Futures, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, 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!