Research Assistant in Food Science / Food Waste and By-Product…

The successful candidate will work as Research Assistant in the ASPIRE Research Institute for Food Security in the Drylands. This institute features a comprehensive and highly interdisciplinary R&D program and provides an international collaboration platform for researchers and stakeholders of the public and private food and agricultural sector. It strives to generate knowledge and technological innovation in support of food security in the UAE and other arid environments of the world. As part of one of its research themes, the institute will develop innovative, multi-level valorization strategies for organic waste materials, such as food and plant waste. In support of this activity, we are seeking to hire a motivated and experienced researcher. The focus of the research is in area of agri-food industrial waste, biomass, and by-product utilization and valorization into wide range of valuable products or applications. Utilization of novel, green and environmentally friendly technologies for such valorization is to be explored. This is a position for a Post-Doctoral fellow, with very high expectations regarding to his/her ability to lead the research activities, supervise graduate students, and lead the preparation of manuscripts for publication in highly ranking scientific journals.

The position is for nine months with the possibility of extension on an annual basis.

The candidate is expected to have a PhD in Food Science, Food Technology, or a closely related field, from a reputable University. Previous post-doctoral employment will be an asset. Indicatively, evidence of experience and impact of previous research can be provided through publication metrics. The Post-Doc must have experience in Agri-food waste utilization, novel and green extraction technologies for recovery of range of biomolecules from agri-food wastes, smart/active packaging and functional foods and should come up with “out of box novel approaches“ for food waste and by-product valorization. Significant input in the day-to-day supervision and guidance of 2-3 PhD students working on the similar theme is expected. Previous experience addressing the theme of this research project will be highly preferred. Evidence of independent thinking and leading the research project will be highly preferred. The Post-Doc should be able to evidence experience in working in a multi-cultural, international setting. The Post-Doc should be well versed in interdisciplinary projects, therefore evidenced experience of interaction with a range of stakeholders (academia, government entities, research organizations, primary producers, relevant industry as well as the public) is considered a strong asset.