Postdoctoral Research Associate in Microbial Dairy Proteins

We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) with expertise in food science and technology who will be working within the Food Research Group, which is part of the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences. The post is funded as a fix term (24 months) contract through the Bezos Centre for Sustainable Protein, which is funded by Bezos Earth Foundation and involves several UK and overseas academic partners, as well as multiple industrial and food organisation partners.

The aim of the project is to develop dairy proteins through precision fermentation processes and assess their functionality in a range of food formulations. The project will be supported by state-of-the art facilities, including small scale laboratory bioreactors, the Food Processing Centre which includes a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) food pilot plant that houses a range of equipment (e.g. dairy product manufacture, thermal processing, dehydration, filtration, centrifugation, mixing), the Sensory Science Centre, and the Flavour Centre.

This project is a unique opportunity for an enthusiastic scientist to work in an innovative and multidisciplinary environment spanning food science, food formulation and applied microbiology and advance the current state-of-the-art in precision fermentation for food production.

You will have:

• A PhD in a relevant area
• Hands on skills in protein extraction and characterisation, food formulation and food quality assessment
• Understanding of microbial fermentation and food ingredient functionality
• Good project management and time management skills
• Strong communication skills

Please see the job description and personal specification for further details.
The closing date for applications is 23.59 on 15 January 2025

Interview date - 31st January 2025.

Contact details for the advert
Contact Name: Dimitris Charalampopoulos
Contact Job Title: Professor of Food Biotechnology
Contact Email address: d.charalampopoulos@reading.ac.uk

Alternative Contact Name: Afroditi Chatzifragkou
Alternative Contact Job Title: Associate Professor in Sustainable Bioprocessing
Alternative Contact Email address: a.chatzifragkou@reading.ac.uk

By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. Successful candidates not already holding a Skilled Worker visa issued before 4th April 2024 will need to have a relevant PhD qualification or qualify as a new entrant before being able to be sponsored.There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

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