Postdoc in extrusion and simulation of plats protein melts

Do you want to determine physical and chemical mechanisms necessary for producing future foods?

The food system emits a quarter of the global greenhouse gases, of which meat production alone is responsible for more than half of that share. Excessive consumption of red meat has also been linked to health problems, such as coronary heart disease and certain cancers. RISE develops the entire food chain to obtain sustainable food production and consumption in general and develops plant-protein based meat analogues in particular, together with Chalmers.

About us
RISE is an independent, state-owned research institute. As an innovation partner for the entire society, we help develop technologies, products, services and processes contributing to a sustainable world and competitive industry. We do this in collaboration with and on behalf of the academia, private and public sector. We also have a particular focus on supporting small and medium-sized companies in their innovation processes. Today, we have more than 3,000 employees who work all over the country and in a number of foreign subsidiaries. We are researchers, technicians and other experts needed to develop innovations of tomorrow

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!

In a joint research project Product Design at RISE and Industrial and Materials Science at Chalmers elucidate the mechanisms responsible for fibre formation during plant-protein extrusion. During heating and subsequent cooling, some plant-proteins form fibrous structures resembling meat texture. It is known how to form such fibrous structure, but exactly why they form remains to be determined. We are now looking for a post-doc with focus on plant-protein extrusion to fill this knowledge gap.

The groups at RISE and Chalmers consist of experts in technology and design of foods and other biobased materials. Research topics range from novel food and 3D-printing to structured soft matter systems and nanocomposites. We combine experimental expertise with advanced instrumental analysis and simulation. The position will join the Product Design unit at Bioeconomy and Health at RISE and the Rheology and Processing of Soft Matter Group within the Department of Industrial and Material Science at Chalmers.

About the role
The role as post-doc scientist includes research together with colleagues at both RISE and Chalmers. It also involves contacts with industrial stakeholders and public partners in the field of extrusion technology. The position aims at fundamental understanding of the mechanisms for fibre formation and how they depend on process parameters and raw material properties. You will be responsible for delivering scientific and technical results within the project budget and time plan. The research will include hands-on extrusion, analysis (material properties, microscopy) and simulation (multiphysics). You will be part of two research groups and normal participation in practical work, industry assignments and contribution to teaching will also arise. The work is always in close collaboration with other colleagues and competences, within and outside RISE and Chalmers.

Who are you?
You like challenges and look for solutions, and like working together with colleagues and external partners. Experience of research involving extrusion is essential and experience in materials science and especially simulation are very strong merits. Knowledge of biopolymer physics and chemistry, especially proteins is also important. We think you have PhD in polymer science, food engineering, (bio)materials science or equivalent. You are fluent English, both in writing and verbally, and good knowledge in Swedish is also a strong merit.

We are constantly challenged with new opportunities and problems, and we cannot promise you an easy job, though a job together with enthusiastic colleagues who collectively contribute to sustainable development and competitive industrial applications.

Welcome with your application!
If this sounds appealing, you are welcome to apply for the position. For questions, please contact RISE: Lina Svanberg, lina.svanberg@ri.se, www.ri.se or Chalmers: Roland Kádár, roland.kadar@chalmers.se, www.rheo-chalmers.se.

Please click here to apply.

The position is for two years and placed at RISE Agriculture and Food the first year, and then up to 12 months at Chalmers, both in Gothenburg. The recruitment process is in collaboration between RISE and Chalmers. By applying to this position, you also agree that Chalmers can view and process your application.

The last date to apply is April 5, 2023. Interviews will be conducted throughout the application process. 

Our union representatives are Lazaros Tsantaridis, SACO, 010 516 62 21 and Bertil Svensson, Unionen, 010-516 53 56.