PhD student position in Food Science on Marine Proteins

Information about the research and 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 details of the departmental research activities may be found here.

Major responsibilities
The new center BLUE FOOD has gathered leading universities, institutes, innovation actors, regions, municipalities, organisations and around 40 companies from the whole country under the vision to make Sweden a leading producer of attractive and sustainable seafood. As an important part of this transdisciplinary research effort, Chalmers -the division of Food and Nutrition Science- is now seeking a PhD-student to develop new knowledge which will contribute to an increased food production from Swedens largest, yet most underutilized, fisheries resource.

The overall project aim is to explore small pelagic fish species (herring, sprat) as food protein sources. Focus will be on studying different techniques for recovery of mince or protein ingredients from the whole or gutted fish, for example pH-driven solubilization and isoelectric precipitation. Important parts will then be evaluation of nutritional and technofunctional properties of the ingredients as well as new strategies for formulation and stabilization against oxidation. For the latters, application of 3D-printing and incorporation of seaweed or other antioxidant containing raw materials will be explored. It is foreseen that the PhD-project will deliver new types of marine protein ingredients to meet the ongoing protein shift.

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, you must:
- hold a Master's level degree in BioScience, Food Science, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or similar
- be fluent in English in writing and speaking and strong communication and analytical skills

It is also strongly meritorious if you have:
- experience from work with (marine) proteins, protein isolation, nutrient analyses and protein functionality
- completed courses on MSc level within Food Science, Analytical chemistry, Biotechnology, Food structure and function, Food Physics, Polymer Science, Food technology, Rheology and Process technology

Due to the multi-disciplinary nature of this PhD project, you should preferably be curious, goal oriented, cooperation minded, and keen on transferring theoretic and applied academic work into practice.

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 20210104 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: 5 April 2021

For questions, please contact:
Prof Ingrid Undeland, Food and Nutriton Science, undeland@chalmers.se, 031-7723820
Dr Mehdi Abdollahi, Food and Nutrition Science, khozaghi@chalmers.se, 031-7723823

*** 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!