Postdoc in Food Science - Plant Proteins

Information about the division and 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. The department offers highly qualified education for engineering students within the area of bioengineering. It is furthermore 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 Life Sciences. 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, plant based foods and nutrition as well as food by-product biorefining and protein technology. The division has a wide range of modern analytical equipment for chromatography coupled with mass spectrometery, an in vitro human cell laboratory, and a microbiology laboratory. The division focuses on nutritional solutions for health and disease prevention by studies on the molecular, cellular, and whole-body level. It also has a strong focus on sustainable use of food raw materials and on many different quality aspects of food.

Project description
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 end up in feed applications. Its shift to food application is challenged by beany flavors and the presence of antinutrients. The newly FORMAS-funded project called SwedPea aims to address those challenges in both lab and pilot scale by introducing innovative solutions.

We are offering a two-year postdoctoral position to an ambitious researcher who is interested in working on legumes as a sustainable and healthy protein source and making them tastier and healthier. The postdoctoral researcher will work at the Division of Food and Nutrition Science and in close collaboration with Kristianstad University and Lantmännen 

Major responsibilities
Conduct research within the SwedPea project with a specific focus on optimizing the flavor, functionality, and nutritional value of pea proteins. The candidate will be responsible for experimental planning, maintaining contact with project partners, conducting practical work, collecting samples, handling data, writing publications, and communicating results within the project. 

Qualifications
-The applicant must hold a PhD in food technology, food chemistry, protein technology, Biotechnology or similar.
-Experience of working with plant-based ingredients/products is meritorious.
-Experience of working with protein extraction in lab and pilot scale as well as its functionality, nutritional value and flavor compound analysis is advantageous.
-Excellent communication skill in English, and proven record of scientific article writing.
-Ability to work independently as well as in teams and take responsibility for progress of the project.

Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for two years.

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 20230668 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

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.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Application deadline: 2023-12-07
 
For questions, please contact:
Mehdi Abdollahi,
khozaghi@chalmers.se


*** 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!