Doctoral Researcher in Food Materials Science: Aerogels for Oral Lubrication
Join the FAroGels MSCA Doctoral Network to develop bio-based aerogels for sustainable food systems and oral lubrication.
Best for:Best for early-career researchers with a master’s in food technology, materials science, chemistry, or related fields, passionate about interdisciplinary research at the intersection of material science and food innovation.
Overview
This doctoral position is part of the FAroGels MSCA Doctoral Network, funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme. Based at the University of Helsinki’s Department of Food and Nutrition, the role focuses on designing and characterizing food-grade aerogels for sustainable food applications, with a specific emphasis on improving oral lubrication and texture modulation. The successful candidate will conduct cutting-edge research combining material science and food technology, utilizing advanced characterization techniques such as SEM, AFM, and oral tribology. The position includes structured doctoral training, international collaborations, and secondments at partner organizations in the UK and Germany. Applicants must hold or be close to completing a master’s degree in a relevant field and demonstrate strong laboratory skills, interdisciplinary collaboration potential, and proficiency in English.
What you'll do
- Conduct research on designing and characterizing dietary-fibre aerogels/cryogels for functional food applications, focusing on texture and oral lubrication.
- Perform advanced experimental work using techniques such as SEM, AFM, CLSM, XMT, SAXS, DVS, and oral tribology to analyze material properties.
- Participate in FAroGels network activities, including meetings, workshops, training schools, and transferable skills development.
- Undertake planned secondments at partner organizations in the UK and Germany to gain complementary scientific and technical experience.
- Collaborate with academic and non-academic partners across the FAroGels network to develop and validate food-grade aerogels.
- Prepare scientific reports, project deliverables, presentations, and publications to disseminate research findings.
- Enroll as a PhD student at the University of Helsinki and complete the doctoral degree within the 36-month funding period.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in food technology, materials science, chemistry, biomaterials, or polymer science.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency in both written and spoken English is required.
Instruction: English
- Strong laboratory and analytical skills, particularly in experimental characterization of soft, porous, or hydrated materials.
- Experience with advanced characterization techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), or Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM).
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary research environments.
- Proficient in quantitative analysis and data interpretation.
- Strong scientific thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Willingness to learn new methods and explore unfamiliar challenges.
- Applicant must not already hold a doctoral degree.
- Applicant must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Finland for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date.
- Applicant must either already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki or apply for and obtain it within six months of appointment.
- Applicants of any nationality are welcome to apply.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-12-09 (Europe/Helsinki)
Applicants must submit a complete online application through the University of Helsinki’s recruitment system by 9 December 2026 at 23:59 EET. The application should include all required documents and adhere to the guidelines provided on the recruitment portal.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Motivation letter explaining research interest and fit with the project
- Master’s degree certificate and transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
- Two reference letters
Contact
Recruitment Office· University of Helsinki
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