Postdoc in Food Science - Plant Proteins

We are offering a two-year postdoctoral position to an ambitious researcher who is interested in working on legumes as a sustainable and healthy proteins source but also the emerging concept of biorefinery for holistic utilization of these resources. You will evaluate the impact of primary steps of pea value chain on fractionation efficiency of peas as well as functionality and flavor of pea proteins. The post doctoral researcher will work at the division of Food and Nutrition Science and with close collaboration with SLU and Lantmännen.

Information about the research
Locally produced legumes are among the most sustainable food sources that are good for both human health and the planet. However, the current Swedish pea value chain is underutilized, where almost all the peas produced in Sweden ends up in feed application. The VINNOVA-funded project 100%Pea aims at upgrading the existing Swedish pea value chain from farming to processing step. The project aims to find the most suitable yellow pea varieties, farming location, and harvest time for the Swedish pea biorefinery platform. In addition, optimal storage, dehulling and milling conditions of peas for high efficiency biorefinery process will be investigated. Finally, a fine-tuned and scalable pea fractionation process for simultaneous recovery of functional and tasty protein, fiber, and starch fractions relevant for industrial applications will be developed in this project.

Information about the Department
The Department of Biology and Biological Engineering is aiming at bridging cutting edge life science research with biochemical engineering, in order to emerge as the leading innovation center in the region. The research has broad applications in areas of health and industrial production of e.g. fine chemicals, food and energy. It is collaborating in broad, interdiciplinary national and international networks within academia and the industry.

The division of Food and Nutrition Science is one of four research divisions at the Department of Biology and Biological Engineering. Food and Nutrition Science is one of the leading units in the area in Sweden with particular strengths in nutritional and computational metabolomics, dietary biomarkers, micronutrient metal nutrition, nutritional immunology, marine food science and nutrition as well as food by-product biorefining and protein technology. The division focuses on nutritional solutions for health and disease prevention by studies on the molecular, cellular, and whole-body level. 

Major responsibilities
Your main responsibility is to carry out research within the 100%PEA-project with specific focus on optimizing the Swedish pea valuce chain for successful pea biorefinery and fractionation simultaneous recovery of functional protein, fiber, and starch as well as working on the recovered proteins functionality and flavor. You will be responsible for experimental planning, practical works, sample collection, data handling, writing of publications and communications of results within the project. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry/the public sector.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of two years (1+1).

Qualifications
- You must have a doctoral degree in food technology, food chemistry, protein technology or similar.
- You need experience in working with cereals and/or plant-based ingredients/products.
- Experience in working with plant protein extraction as well as its functionality and flavor compound analysis is meritorious.
- You have the ability to work independently as well as in teams and take responsibility for the progress of the project.
- In equal conditions, female candidates will be given priority in order to enhance gender balance.
- The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. Swedish is not a requirement but Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20210551 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• 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:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Learn more and apply on Chalmers website: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=9998&rmlang=UK

Application deadline: 24 December, 2021

*** 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!