Research Fellow in Plant Protein Quality and Digestibility
Join a Horizon Europe project to advance sustainable plant protein research for European feed autonomy.
Best for:Best for researchers with a PhD in Food Science, Biochemistry, or related fields, specialising in plant protein characterisation and in vitro digestion methods.
Overview
This Research Fellow position at the University of Leeds focuses on improving the nutritional quality and digestibility of plant proteins for sustainable feed production in Europe. As part of the Horizon Europe-funded PROFEED project, the successful candidate will conduct advanced analytical and in vitro digestion studies on plant protein crops like soybean, lupin, and alfalfa. The role involves close collaboration with international partners to develop resilient protein sources, enhance processing techniques, and validate sustainable feed formulations. The work spans compositional, structural, and nutritional characterisation, with potential involvement in in vivo validation trials at the National Pig Centre. Ideal for researchers with expertise in plant protein analysis and nutritional assessment.
What you'll do
- Conduct advanced analytical characterisation of plant protein crops, ingredients, and feed formulations, including compositional, structural, and techno-functional assessments.
- Assess antinutritional factors in plant-derived proteins using specialised techniques.
- Apply in vitro digestion models to evaluate protein digestibility and nutritional quality across various crops (e.g., soybean, lupin, alfalfa).
- Collaborate with international partners to validate sustainable feed formulations and contribute to in vivo trials at the National Pig Centre.
- Develop and validate methods for protein analysis tailored to biological contexts, ensuring robust and reproducible results.
- Present research findings to project partners and contribute to project deliverables within the PROFEED consortium.
Requirements
Degree required: PhD or near completion in Food Science, Food Technology, Animal Nutrition, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
Language: English; proficiency required for collaboration and reporting.
Instruction: English
- Strong research experience in plant protein characterisation and nutritional assessment of plant-derived ingredients.
- Practical experience with protein analysis techniques (e.g., chromatographic methods, spectroscopy).
- Proficiency in in vitro protein digestion and digestibility assessment methods.
- Ability to critically select, adapt, and validate analytical methods for biological applications.
- Experience collaborating in multidisciplinary research environments.
- No explicit nationality or residency restrictions mentioned, but visa sponsorship may be available under Skilled Worker or Global Talent routes.
- Open to applicants with PhDs in progress or recently completed.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-05
Applicants should submit their CV, cover letter, and research statement through the University of Leeds job portal. Additional documents may include academic transcripts and contact details for referees. The application process involves internal review by the hiring panel.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Research statement
- Academic transcripts (BSc, MSc, PhD if completed)
- Reference letters (contact details sufficient)
Contact
Alan Javier Hernandez Alvarez· Lecturer in Nutrition and Global Health
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