Postdoc in CO2-Fed Microbial 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 seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher for a two-year, full-time position at the Division of Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Life Sciences. The position is part of a larger European academia-industry collaboration with strong links to leading partners in the food sector. The project offers a unique opportunity to develop and apply advanced biorefinery strategies at the interface of biotechnology, food technology, and sustainability. You will contribute to developing knowledge and tools for upgrading fermentation-based biomasses into functional, tasty, and consumer-accepted food ingredients, supporting the transition towards a more resilient and sustainable food system.
Project overview
With the rapid expansion of fermentation-based foods and microbial biomass as sustainable sources of protein and fat, there is a growing need for advanced downstream processing and refinery technologies to fully unlock their potential. Beyond achieving efficient recovery, it is essential to tailor microbial ingredients for improved flavor, functionality, and nutritional quality, while ensuring economic viability and scalability. By integrating bioprocess engineering with food science, this project explores new ways to transform microbial proteins and lipids into high-value ingredients for next-generation sustainable foods.
About us
The Division of Food and Nutrition Science is one of four divisions within the Department of Life Sciences. It is one of Sweden's leading research units in its field, with particular strengths in nutritional and computational metabolomics, dietary biomarkers, micronutrient and metal nutrition, nutritional immunology, marine food science, food biotechnology, plant-based foods, and food by-product biorefining and protein technology. The division is equipped with state-of-the-art analytical instruments for chromatography-mass spectrometry, in vitro human cell studies, and microbiological research. It focuses on nutritional solutions for health and disease prevention across molecular, cellular, and whole-body levels, while emphasizing sustainable use of food raw materials and food quality.
Who we are looking for
You must hold a PhD (awarded no more than three years before the application deadline*) in biotechnology, food biotechnology, bioprocessing, food science, chemistry, or a related field, with a strong foundation in downstream processing, separation, and protein quality.
Required qualifications and experience:
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Proven laboratory experience and method development skills, demonstrated through previous research projects and publications.
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Experience working with fermentation-based biomasses, downstream processing, and biorefinery.
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Proficiency in analyzing chemical compounds in complex matrices using advanced analytical techniques (e.g., mass spectrometry), as well as in assessing protein functionality (spectroscopic methods, rheology) and flavor attributes.
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Ability to work independently combined with strong collaboration skills and effective communication with both academic and industry partners.
*The date on your doctoral degree certificate is considered the official date of completion. Exceptions to the three-year eligibility limit may be made for documented circumstances such as parental leave, sick leave, or military service.
What you will do
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Develop and implement experimental research focused on downstream processing and refinery technologies for fermentation-based or microbial biomasses.
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Optimize microbial protein flavor and functionality while ensuring economic viability and scalability.
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Design and evaluate novel process strategies for upgrading side streams into high-value ingredients.
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Collaborate actively with academic and industrial partners in the project.
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Take responsibility for experimental planning, laboratory work, sample collection, data management, and data interpretation.
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Write scientific publications and communicate results effectively to both academic and industry audiences.
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Contribute to the supervision of MSc and PhD students and support collaborative research capacity within the group.
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Engage in dissemination, networking, and potential development of future project proposals.
Contract terms
The position is a temporary full-time employment for two years.
The position requires physical presence throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn.
What we offer
• As a postdoc 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.
If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.
Application procedure
The application should be written in English 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
• A comprehensive CV, including a complete list of publications.
• Details of previous teaching and pedagogical experience.
Personal letter
• A brief introduction about yourself.
• A summary of your previous research fields and key research outcomes.
• An outline of your future goals and research focus.
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
Så ansöker du Sista dag att ansöka är 2025-11-10
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Arbetsgivare Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB (org.nr 556479-5598)
Jobbnummer 9549482