PhD student position in Pelagic fish valorization aided by fruit & berry antioxidants

Life Sciences -eng

Project description

Within the new Formas-funded SEASIDE project, antioxidant-rich fruit and berry rest raw materials are addressed as clean label additives to prevent lipid oxidation in herring and sprat. The results will pave the way for a new category of seafood products and thereby stimulate establishment of food value chains from small pelagic fish species which are currently dedicated to feed. The project is fully in line with ongoing efforts to increase food production from Swedens´ largest fisheries resource and as such has potential to contribute to a real system change. The project outcome will aid a more diversified dietary protein shift, stimulate industrial symbiosis and improve food preparedness.

Throughout the project, you will become an expert on the use of fruit and berry-derived antioxidants as new food ingredients to combat oxidation of fish lipids. You will also acquire deep skills on in vitro digestion models to study antioxidative effects and potential anti-nutritional effects from fruit-/berry-derived polyphenols under gastrointestinal conditions.

Information about the division and the department
At the Department of Life Sciences , LIFE, (former Biology and Biological Engineering) we explore how biological systems and innovative technologies can be used to convert biomass into foods, pharmaceuticals, materials, chemicals and fuels. We develop and apply advanced experimental and computational technologies to discover how biomolecules, living cells and organisms function and interact. We pioneer new methods for the prediction, prevention, diagnostics and treatment of diseases.

The division of Food and Nutrition Science (FNS) is one of four research divisions at LIFE. FNS addresses major societal challenges related to sustainable food production, nutrition and health. We conduct fundamental and applied research, innovation, education and dissemination in Food and Nutrition Science with the aim to provide new knowledge and solutions that pave the way for a sustainable planet and healthy humans. Research topics span from food chemistry and food technology to molecular and data- driven nutrition (Precision Nutrition). In Food Science, we focus primarily on marine and plant-based food systems for which we develop tools and processes to promote high food quality, minimize losses throughout the value chain and allow nutrient recovery from alternative biomasses. In nutrition, we focus on human observational and intervention studies as well as cell-based model studies and apply advanced data-driven approaches and state of the art biochemical and OMICs technologies to understand and predict the role of foods, dietary components and dietary patterns in human health. The research is also related to global food security topics in an international context.

Major responsibilities
In collaboration with several stakeholders, the PhD-student will: (i) unravel techniques by which the antioxidant materials are most efficiently added to fish products to prevent lipid oxidation during storage and digestion, (ii) assure that the antioxidants do not have anti-nutritional effects, (iii) elucidate nature and mechanisms of the most potent antioxidants/antioxidant fractions in the fruit and berry side streams. The student will be responsible for keeping up-to-date with literature and for designing, executing and evaluating experiments together with the rest of the project team. There will also be significant elements of method development integrated into the project.
The position also includes teaching on Chalmers´ undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to ~10 - 20 per cent of working hours.

Your major responsibilities are to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing.

Qualifications
-To qualify as a PhD student, the applicant must hold a Master's level degree in Bioscience, Food Science, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or similar.
-Completed courses on MSc level within Food Science, Analytical chemistry, Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food technology are meritorious.
-Fluent English in writing and speaking, strong communication and analytical skills are required.
-Experience from work with seafood quality, lipid oxidation, antioxidants, in vitro digestion models and nutrient analyses are meritorious as well as a driving license valid in Sweden

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five 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 20230157 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: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• 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 experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Application deadline: 15, April, 2023

For questions, please contact:
Professor Ingrid Undeland, [email protected]
+4631-7723820

Assistant Professor Anna Ström, [email protected]
+4631-7723406

*** 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!
 

URL to this page
https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=11551&rmlang=UK