Doctoral student in Microbial (Fermentation-Based) Proteins
Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB / Högskolejobb / Göteborg
2025-10-09
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hela Sverige Visa alla jobb hos Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB i Göteborg We are looking for a highly motivated doctoral student to join our team at the Division of Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Life Sciences. The project focuses on exploring fundamental relationships between microbial protein characteristics, processing, and sensory performance, providing a strong scientific basis for developing healthier, tastier, and more sustainable foods.
This four-year, full-time position is part of a larger multi-national academia-industry collaboration in Europe, offering excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary training and interaction with leading food sector partners. It represents a unique opportunity to contribute to advancing sustainable food innovation by unlocking the functionality of microbial proteins in hybrid food design.
Project overview
The transition to sustainable food systems calls for the development of novel protein ingredients that combine nutritional value with appealing sensory qualities. Microbial or fermentation-based proteins produced using CO2 represent a promising and underexplored resource. However, their broader use in food requires a deeper understanding of how their properties can be tailored for functionality in structured foods by linking fermentation with both upstream and downstream processing.
By combining molecular science, food technology, and biotechnology, this project aims to establish new knowledge on how microbial proteins can be optimized and integrated into hybrid foods of the future.
About us
The Department of Life Sciences aims to bridge cutting-edge life science research with biochemical engineering to become a leading innovation center in the region. Our research has broad applications in health and in the industrial production of fine chemicals, food, and energy. The department also offers highly qualified education for engineering students within bioengineering and collaborates in wide, interdisciplinary networks at both national and international levels, across academia and industry.
The Division of Food and Nutrition Science is one of four research divisions within the department and is among the leading units in Sweden in its field. Our strengths include nutritional and computational metabolomics, dietary biomarkers, micronutrient metal nutrition, nutritional immunology, marine food science, plant-based foods and nutrition, as well as food by-product biorefining and protein technology.
We are equipped with state-of-the-art analytical instruments for chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, an in vitro human cell laboratory, and a microbiology laboratory. Our research focuses on nutritional solutions for health and disease prevention, from molecular to whole-body levels, with a strong emphasis on sustainable use of food raw materials and food quality aspects.
Who we are looking for
Mandatory qualifications:
• A Master's degree (120 credits) or Magister's degree (60 credits) in food (bio)technology, biotechnology, bioprocessing, food chemistry, protein technology, or a relevant discipline.
For students with education earned outside Sweden, a four-year Bachelor's degree is accepted.
• Proven experience in laboratory research and method development, particularly in food biotechnology and/or protein engineering, demonstrated through previous projects or publications.
• Experience working with alternative proteins and their structure-function relationships, with a solid understanding of colloidal systems and food structuring, is meritorious.
• Proficiency in protein/food characterization on both micro and macro scales from chemical and physical perspectives, along with familiarity with nutritional and sensory evaluation methodologies.
• Ability to work independently, combined with strong collaborative and communication skills for interacting effectively with academic and industrial partners.
What you will do
• Design and conduct experimental research focused on microbial (fermentation-based) proteins, engineering their functionality, flavor, and nutritional profiles.
• Develop and characterize the chemical, physical, and sensory properties of food prototypes using advanced analytical methods and colloidal system principles.
• Participate in supervision of MSc students and contribute to the academic environment of the research group.
• Take responsibility for experimental planning, practical work, sample collection, data handling, and writing of publications, as well as communicating results to both academic and industrial partners.
• The doctoral student position includes teaching activities up to 20% of the time.
Contract terms
• The Doctoral student positions are fully funded from start.
• The position is limited to four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position to five years.
• A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025).
• Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise the admission may be withdrawn.
What we offer
• As a Doctoral student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• Read more about Sweden's generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.
Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence.
Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here.
Application procedure
The application should be written in English and 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
Personal letter
• A brief introduction about yourself.
• A brief motivation as to why you are interested in this position.
Bachelor's and, if available, master's thesis together with the transcripts.
Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.
Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.
Application deadline: 10 November, 2025
Ersättning Enligt kollektivavtal
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Arbetsgivare Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB (org.nr 556479-5598)
Jobbnummer 9549619