PhD student/licentiate, Food Science

Department of Molecular Sciences

Fermentation of plant material European origin for better texture, taste and nutritional properties of tempeh-like foods

Description:

We are looking for a PhD/licentiate student to be placed at the Department of Molecular Sciences, SLU. The aim of the PhD project is to investigate relationships between the structural properties of foods and the manufacturing process. The project includes experimental and theoretical studies in microbiology and food technology and aims in the long-term to address relevant challenges in food industry with a focus on sustainable food production and consumption. Interest in the consumption of plant-based foods is growing, and in line with this, consumers have a higher demand for more sustainable, environmentally friendly, and nutritious foods. From a sustainability and human health perspective, this is a positive trend. Replacing soy with local alternatives generally means a shift to more sustainable production/consumption.

The project aims to establish a relationship between process (e.g. heat treatment and fermentation) and the nutritional and sensory quality of a new product from local raw materials. We will develop a tempeh-like product with high consumer acceptance from locally grown faba beans in combination with oats to optimize the amino acid composition.

Qualifications:

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with an MSc in microbiology, food technology, biotechnology, or similar. The candidate shall have good knowledge of microbiology, food technology and their methods. Experience with eukaryotic and procaryotic microorganisms, plant-based products, is merit. Knowledge of microscopy (light, confocal, electron) and rheology is a merit, as well as chemical analyses of antinutrients/nutrients. Personal qualities such as a sense of responsibility and the ability to independently perform tasks as part of a research team will be valued. The ability to communicate and write well in English is a requirement.

Place of work: 


Uppsala

Form of employment: 
PhD student/licentiate 2 years with the possibility of extension.

Extent:
100%.

Starting date:
According to agreement. 

Application:
Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2022-10-20.

To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level.

Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English. More information about the English language requirements can be found here: www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/new-doctoral-students/english-language-requirements/

Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport’s information page containing their photograph and personal details.

Read about the PhD education at SLU at www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/

Academic union representatives:
https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/ 




The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is a world-class international university with research, education and environmental assessment within the sciences for sustainable life. Its principal sites are in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks and educational establishments throughout Sweden. We bring together people who have different perspectives, but they all have one and the same goal: to create the best conditions for a sustainable, thriving and better world.

SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses.

www.slu.se