PhD Position in Scalable Sterilization of Aerogel Carriers for Bioactive Food
Develop innovative sterilization methods for biodegradable aerogels to enable safe, scalable food and nutraceutical applications.
Best for:Best for early-career researchers with a strong background in food science, materials chemistry, or biopolymer engineering, interested in sustainable food technologies and scalable sterilization methods.
Overview
This PhD position is part of the **FAroGels** research program, focused on advancing food-grade, bio-based, and biodegradable aerogels for sustainable food systems. The successful candidate will be employed by the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC) and required to enroll in a PhD program at the same institution. The project centers on overcoming a critical challenge: designing scalable sterilization processes for aerogel carriers that preserve their structural integrity, porosity, and functionality while ensuring microbiological safety. The research will explore low-temperature, solvent-assisted, gas-phase, and controlled-humidity sterilization techniques, validated through microbial assays, NMR/FTIR analysis, and mechanical/porosity tests. The goal is to develop industry-ready protocols that enable the commercialization of aerogel-based food and nutraceutical solutions.
What you'll do
- Develop and optimize novel sterilization workflows tailored for biopolymer aerogels, ensuring microbiological safety without compromising structural integrity or functionality.
- Conduct laboratory-based research using advanced analytical methods, including microbial kill assays, NMR/FTIR spectroscopy, porosity and mechanical stability tests, and bioactive-retention studies.
- Investigate the relationships between sterilization processes, structural properties, and functional performance of aerogels under relevant storage conditions.
- Collaborate closely with other FAroGels doctoral candidates, supervisors, and partner organizations to integrate findings into industry-ready protocols.
- Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at scientific conferences.
- Contribute to the development of guidelines for safe, scalable implementation of aerogels in food and nutraceutical industries.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Materials Science, Biopolymer Engineering, or a related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency sufficient for academic research and collaboration
Instruction: English
- Proven experience in laboratory research, particularly in food science, materials chemistry, or biopolymer processing
- Familiarity with analytical techniques such as NMR, FTIR, porosity testing, and mechanical characterization
- Strong background in microbiological assays and sterilization methods
- Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary research teams
- Proficiency in scientific writing and presentation skills
- Open to EU and non-EU candidates under MSCA eligibility rules (e.g., mobility rule for non-host-country residents)
- No age restrictions, but MSCA mobility rules apply (typically 4 years of research experience max)
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-12-09 (Europe/Madrid)
Applicants must submit their application through the FAroGels program portal. The application process requires uploading a CV, a motivation letter, academic transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. Additional project-specific documentation may be requested. Detailed instructions and the application form are available on the FAroGels website.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Academic transcripts (BSc and MSc)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
Contact
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