Postdoctoral position in food technology, plant proteins in food products

Subject description

To release the potential of plant proteins and fully exploit their different functional properties in different food products we need a better understanding of how the extraction process, protein separation steps and further formulation and processing affect the proteins. Careful mapping of the properties of pea proteins from Swedish crops (yellow pea) can give insight in how these can be best used to realise complex products such as milks, yoghurts, spreads, foamed products and gelled products. The albumins and globulins have distinctly different properties and devising methods to use each protein fraction to its best performance, and combining the separated proteins in a smart way may be a key to unravel the full potential of these proteins.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development.

The research duties in this project include devising separation protocols for proteins from yellow pea to obtain albumin and globulin fractions, characterise their functional properties, and investigate ways to further process and combine these protein fractions to maximise their functionality in complex model food product based on emulsions, gels and foams.

Detailed description of work duties:

• You will be responsible for designing, planning and executing experimental work to obtain mildly extracted protein fractions.
• You will be responsible for characterising the functional properties of the obtained protein fractions
• You will be responsible for designing, planning and executing experiments to prepare complex model food products and characterise their properties.
• Teaching in the first and second cycles of studies
• Supervision of degree projects
• Participating in seeking external research funding
• Collaboration with industry and wider society
• Administration related to the work duties listed above

Qualification requirements

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. The certificate proving that the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• has authored publications in scientific journals
• very good knowledge of the functionality of proteins in food
• experience of independently planning and carrying out experiments
• proven ability to work independently

Assessment criteria

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Other qualifications:

• Experience in protein extraction from plant material
• Experience in preparation of emulsions, gels and/or foams based on proteins
• Experience of supervision of degree projects
• Experience of teaching
• Experience of collaboration with industry

Consideration will also be given to how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. It is advisable to enter information on what your unit specifically can offer as a workplace.
Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. '

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”).

How to apply

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)”  

Welcome to apply!