CSIRO Industry PhD Program - Improving grain properties for oat milk

Edith Cowan University, Australia

Updated: 12 days ago
Location: Mount Lawley, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Deadline: 10 Feb 2023

Cereal-based milk alternatives like oat milk represent an emerging segment in novel food products, characterised by a reduced carbon footprint and possessing health benefits including fibre, vitamin, and low saturated fat content. Oat milk, however, is lower in protein content and calcium and higher in calories. Moreover, heat treatment can lead to starch gelatinisation that lowers acceptability. This project will use proteomics to inform cultivar selection with modified grain macronutrient composition and elevated alpha-/beta-amylase content that can lead to improved starch hydrolysis and to obtain beverages with consumer acceptable product attributes. It will also explore oat-derived proteins that deliver enhanced health benefits and track these via proteomics in diverse cultivars.


Important dates
Opens: 27-10-2022Closes: 10-02-2023
Applies to
DomesticPostgraduateResearch
At a glance

The opportunity

The CSIRO Industry PhD Program (iPhD) is a four-year research training program that focuses on applied research and working with the industry sector. It aims to produce the next generation of innovation leaders with the skills to work at the interface of research and industry in Australia.

The Program includes:

  • admission to a university PhD program
  • a Scholarship Package totalling approx. $45,000 p.a. over four years
  • a structured professional development and training program
  • a Project Expense and Development package of $13,000 p.a. over four years
  • an in-business industry engagement component
  • supervision by CSIRO, an industry partner, and the host university

    • Successful students are subject to the policies, procedures, and guidelines of the host university in addition to the CSIRO Industry PhD Program terms and conditions. Students will receive a standard PhD on completion.

    Ideal student

    The ideal student will have a passion for agriculture and applied research. The project will involve protein biochemistry, analytical chemistry including liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, and bioinformatics, so skills in these fields would be beneficial. Experience with grains and/or food science is also welcome.

    The student should have strong problem-solving skills, good oral and written communication, be able to work independently and in a team, be able to manage time effectively and a desire to deliver impact.


    Location

    • The primary location of student: Edith Cowan University, Joondalup
    • Other potential locations: CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Black Mountain and/or St Lucia
    • In-business component with industry partner: InterGrain, Perth WA office

    Eligibility guidelines

    The student must:

  • be an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident, or a New Zealand citizen;
  • meet the host universities PhD admission requirements;
  • meet university English Language Requirements;
  • not have previously completed a PhD;
  • be able to commence the Program in the year of the offer;
  • enrol as a full-time PhD student; and,
  • be prepared to be located at the project location(s) that the host university has approved and, if required, comply with the host university’s external enrolment procedures.

    • How to apply

    Applicants are required to submit an expression of interest (EOI) direct to the university supervisor: Angela Juhasz


    Selection process
    • The EOI is assessed by the supervisory team and shortlisted applicants are interviewed
    • The supervisory team nominates a preferred applicant
    • The nominated applicant will be instructed to apply
    • The application is then be assessed by ECU against PhD admission criteria.
    • ECU will issue a letter of offer for the program if all conditions have been satisfied

    For more information

    General program information

    Project specific information

    Contact the nominated supervisors listed below:

  • University
    ECU supervisor: Angela Juhasz
    Edith Cowan University (ECU)
    Email address: a.juhasz@ecu.edu.au
    Faculty: Science
    School: Science
  • CSIRO
    CSIRO supervisor: Crispin Howitt
    Business unit: Agriculture & Food
    Research program: Crops & Future Protein Mission
    Email address:crispin.howitt@csiro.au
  • Industry
    Company name: InterGrain Pty Ltd
    Website:  www.intergrain.com

    • View or Apply

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