Doctoral Researcher in Food Materials Science (MSCA Doctoral Network) at University of Helsinki, Finland

Summary

The University of Helsinki, Finland, invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher position in Food Materials Science, as part of the FAroGels MSCA Doctoral Network. This fully funded PhD fellowship, under the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions), offers an exciting opportunity for a talented researcher to work on developing food-grade, bio-based, and biodegradable aerogels for sustainable food systems. The project focuses on understanding and designing dietary-fibre aerogels/cryogels for functional food applications, particularly concerning texture and mouthfeel modulation.

Designation

Doctoral Researcher

Scholarship Details

Research Area

Doctoral Project Focus (DC#14)

The doctoral project will investigate how dietary-fibre aerogels/cryogels can be designed as functional porous and moisture-responsive materials for food applications, specifically focusing on the modulation of texture and mouthfeel. Key areas of investigation include:

• 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.
• Combining material design with multiscale characterization to establish structure-function relationships.
• Developing dietary-fibre aerogels/cryogels with tailored pore-network architecture and hydration properties.
• Utilizing advanced characterization techniques such as SEM, AFM, CLSM, XMT, SAXS, DVS, and micropipette aspiration.
• Involving advanced oral tribology, in-contact fluorescence imaging, and sensory evaluation in model and real food matrices.

Location

Helsinki, Finland

Eligibility and Qualifications

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 six-month probationary period.
• Nationality: Applicants of any nationality are welcome.

Required Qualifications:

• 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.
• Languages: Proficiency in English (written and spoken) is required.
• Personal Attributes: Curious, proactive, strong scientific thinking, genuine enthusiasm for learning, confidence to explore unfamiliar methods, ability to work across disciplines, independent learning, good organization, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment: Willingness to travel for secondments and network activities, commitment to responsible research conduct, inclusion, and professional development.

Scholarship Description

This Doctoral Researcher position is an integral part of the FAroGels – Food-Grade Aerogels for Sustainable Food Systems network, a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network. The network aims to develop, characterize, and validate food-grade, bio-based, and biodegradable aerogels for sustainable food systems, addressing aspects like efficient food processing, improved food quality and safety, nutritional and sensory functionality, and sustainable packaging. The selected candidate will conduct cutting-edge research, contribute to a collaborative international network, and receive comprehensive training for a successful research career.

Main Responsibilities:

• Conduct research in material science and food technology.
• Plan, perform, document, and analyze experimental work.
• Actively participate in FAroGels network meetings, workshops, and training.
• Undertake planned secondments at FAroGels partner organizations.
• Collaborate with academic and non-academic partners.
• Prepare scientific reports, presentations, and publications.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the University of Helsinki’s recruitment system via the "Apply Now" button on the original job advertisement page. The application must be a single PDF file containing the following documents in English:

1. Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV): Including education, research experience, technical skills, and relevant achievements. Ensure it clearly documents fulfillment of MSCA Doctoral Network eligibility criteria (doctoral candidate status and mobility rule).
2. Motivation Letter: Explaining interest in this specific DC position, relevant background, and suitability for the project.
3. Copies of Diplomas and Transcripts: Bachelor’s and Master’s diplomas and academic transcripts, or evidence of degree completion before recruitment.
4. Contact Details for Two Referees: And/or reference letters, as per University of Helsinki requirements.
5. Proof of English-language Proficiency: Where required by the University of Helsinki.
6. Concise Written Responses to Four Questions: (References/citations required, not included in word limit)
• Aerogels and cryogels: Explain main differences, how formation influences structure/properties, and relevance to food applications (Max 200 words).
• Characterization of porous and soft materials: Describe approaches for structure, porosity, hydration/moisture response, and mechanical properties, explaining information provided (Max 300 words).
• Critical thinking and problem solving: Describe approach to unexpected experimental results, with an example (Max 300 words).
• Experimental design and scientific reasoning: Design experiments to investigate mechanisms for different mouthfeel in two fiber-based aerogels with similar composition but different pore network structures (Max 200 words).

Incomplete applications or those not following specified requirements will not be considered.

Last Date to Apply

December 9, 2026 (23:59 EET)

Apply Link

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