Doctoral Researcher in Food Materials Science: Aerogels for Oral Lubrication (MSCA Doctoral Network), Finland

Summary

The Department of Food and Nutrition at the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki, Finland, invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher position. This PhD fellowship is part of the FAroGels – Food-Grade Aerogels for Sustainable Food Systems MSCA Doctoral Network, funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe. The network brings together academic and non-academic partners to develop, characterize, and validate food-grade, bio-based, and biodegradable aerogels for sustainable food systems, focusing on efficient food processing, improved food quality, nutritional and sensory functionality, and sustainable packaging. The selected candidate will focus on understanding how dietary-fibre aerogels/cryogels can be designed as functional porous and moisture-responsive materials for food applications, particularly for modulating texture and mouthfeel.

Designation

Doctoral Researcher (PhD Candidate)

Table

Research Area

Food Materials Science, focusing on Aerogels for Oral Lubrication. The specific doctoral project (DC#14) will investigate dietary-fibre aerogels/cryogels as functional porous and moisture-responsive materials, elucidating how fibre-network organization, pore-network connectivity, swelling behavior, pore size distribution, and network integrity govern moisture responsiveness, structural rearrangement, and mechanical response under food-processing and oral conditions.

Location

Helsinki, Finland

Eligibility/Qualification

MSCA Doctoral Network Eligibility Criteria:

• Doctoral candidate status: Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree.
• Mobility rule: Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Finland for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date.
• PhD enrolment: The appointee must either already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki by the start of the appointment or obtain it within the probationary period of six months.

Requirements for the Position:

• Educational Background: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in food technology, materials science, chemistry, biomaterials, or polymer science.
• Skills: Strong laboratory and analytical skills, with experience in experimental characterization and quantitative analysis of soft, porous or hydrated materials. Curiosity, proactive approach, strong scientific thinking, and enthusiasm for learning are highly valued.
• Languages: Proficiency in English (written and spoken) is required.
• Strong motivation for doctoral research in an international and interdisciplinary environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Good organization, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel for secondments, network meetings, and training.
• Commitment to responsible research conduct, inclusion, collegiality, and professional development.

Scholarship Description

This is a full-time doctoral position funded through the FAroGels MSCA Doctoral Network, offering a fixed-term employment contract for a maximum of 36 months at the University of Helsinki. The position includes:

• A competitive salary and employment conditions based on MSCA Doctoral Networks funding provisions, national legislation, and University of Helsinki policies.
• Supervision by experienced academic researchers and opportunities for co-supervision and industrial supervision.
• Access to research facilities, infrastructure, training, and support services at the University of Helsinki and within the FAroGels network.
• Participation in a structured doctoral training program covering scientific, technical, transferable skills, career development, and innovation-oriented activities.
• Planned secondments at FAroGels partner organizations, offering complementary scientific, technical, and cross-sectoral experience.
• An international research environment and networking opportunities across academia and non-academic organizations.

Salary and Financial Package:

The salary is based on the following monthly MSCA allowances (before deductions for social-security contributions and taxes):

• Living allowance: EUR 4,010 (adjusted by Finland’s country correction coefficient of 118.0%).
• Mobility allowance: EUR 710.
• Family allowance: EUR 660 (if applicable, for those with family during the project).

How to Apply

Your complete online application must be submitted through the University of Helsinki’s recruitment system via the ‘Apply Now’ button on the original job posting URL. Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing the following documents in English:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) clearly documenting fulfillment of MSCA Doctoral Network eligibility criteria (doctoral candidate status and mobility rule).
• A motivation letter explaining interest in this specific DC position, relevant background, and suitability for the project.
• Copies of Bachelor’s and Master’s diplomas and academic transcripts, or evidence of degree completion before the recruitment date.
• Contact details for two referees and/or reference letters.
• Proof of English-language proficiency, if required by the University of Helsinki.
• Concise written responses to the four specific questions provided in the original job description (maximum word limits apply, references not included in word count):
  1. Aerogels and cryogels (Max 200 words)
  2. Characterization of porous and soft materials (Max 300 words)
  3. Critical thinking and problem solving (Max 300 words)
  4. Experimental design and scientific reasoning (Max 200 words)

Applications that do not include all four responses, or that do not follow the specified requirements, will not be considered.

Last Date for Apply

December 9, 2026 (23:59 EET)

Apply Link

https://globallocal-erasmusmundus.eu/