PhD in Tribological properties of dispersed and multi-component food systems

The Doctoral Network “Edible Soft Matter” (acronym: ESM), funded by the European Union in the frame of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) funding programme is an international, interdisciplinary, and cross-sectoral network gathering leading experts in basic and applied soft matter and food sciences.

The objective of this 48-month project, starting from 1st March 2025 is to train and develop the employability of a new generation of young researchers, regulators, consultants and project leaders by providing them with a unique expertise in the design, production and quality assessment of innovative plant-based food products. More information can be found on this website.

In the group of Physics and Physical Chemistry of Foods, we are looking for an enthusiastic candidate for PhD trajectory on a project on tribological properties of dispersed and multi-component food systems.

What will you do?
The quality and sensory perception of foods is determined by the structure and physicochemical properties of the specific food structure. Simple sensory attributes can often be directly linked to rheological characteristics. However, for more complete attributes, also lubrication (frictional) aspects are important. These lubrication aspects are very much related to the properties of the continuous phase, the type of dispersed phase, and the interactions between the different ingredients. This specific project aims to understand the link between lubrication aspects and the structural organization of a variety of dispersed and multi-component systems, and gaining insights into the physical phenomenon driving lubrication, such as wetting behavior, adsorption properties, droplet stability, jamming events, etc. Parameters that will be systematically varied are particle size, hydrophobicity, shape, volume fraction, crystallization behavior, etc. The structural organization will be examined by a variety of techniques, including microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, rheology, etc.

Your tasks include:

• Investigate the effect of different parameters on tribological properties of different systems.
• Quantify different structural features on a mesoscopic scale to gain more specific knowledge on important physical phenomena.
• Develop methodologies to measure different food categories.

Expected results:

• Overview of relation between structural aspects of different food systems and lubrication behavior.
• Description of key parameters and mechanisms driving lubrication aspects.
• Design rules for multi-component systems to control lubrication aspects and related expected sensory attributes for product reformulation purposes.

Planned secondments (host institution, supervisor, duration, topic)

• TRDF, Israel (Maya Davidovich-Pinhas) for 12 months (This will be subjected to modifications in location according to circumstances in Israel).
• Unilever, Netherlands (Krassimir Velikov) for 3 months.

Requirements:

You are curious, proactive and enthusiastic. You have a drive to understand how and why foods provide specific characteristics. You are capable to work in a multidisciplinary team while taking ownership of your own project. You have good communication skills, both verbally and written, to provide progress and further plans and ideas to the partners in the project on a regular basis.

Your also possess the following:

• A successfully completed MSc degree before the start of this job in the area of Food Science, Soft Matter, Physical Chemistry or related discipline
• Experience of working in a lab is essential. Basic knowledge on food ingredients, food structures and physical phenomena is needed
• Work in an independent and self-motivated manner
• A keen interest in both fundamental and applied research, dedication to career goal to work in the food industry
• Appreciation for interdisciplinarity and proactive drive to collaborate across fields
• Proficiency in English, good communication skill and social competence

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.

Salary Benefits:

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• Partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team.
The gross salary for the first year is € 2.901,- per month rising to € 3.707,- in the fourth year in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well.

Wageningen University & Research offers plenty of opportunities for growth and development, with a strong internal recruitment policy and excellent training programmes.

You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment. For 20 consecutive years, we have been voted the "best university" in the Netherlands! A place to be proud of.

Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.
Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. We can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example helping your partner to find a job, housing, or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.

38 hours per week

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