PhD Candidate for a project about production of microbial protein from agro-industrial by-products

European Commission; España; Presencial; EUR 24.000 - 32.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

The European Commission is seeking a PhD Candidate for dynamic research roles focused on producing microbial protein from industrial by-products. This opportunity promises collaborative work within food safety and functionality programs, offering significant professional growth in a supportive environment.

Formación

• Candidates must hold a Master’s in a relevant field.
• No previous PhD degree required.
• Proficiency in English; knowledge of Catalan and Spanish valued.

Responsabilidades

• Conduct literature reviews and implement experiments.
• Optimize microbial growth conditions and perform downstream operations.
• Contribute to scientific publications and presentations.

Conocimientos

Laboratory experience in food analysis

Fermentation processes

Scientific writing and communication skills

Data analysis software

Educación

Master’s in Food Science and Technology

Eligibility to enroll in a doctoral program

Descripción del empleo

Organisation/Company: IRTA

Department: Human Resources

Research Field: Technology > Biotechnology

Position: First Stage Researcher (R1) - Master Positions

Country: Spain

Application Deadline: 17 Aug 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid)

Type of Contract: Temporary

Job Status: Full-time

Hours Per Week: 37.5

Offer Starting Date: 16 Oct 2025

Funding: Not funded by an EU programme

Research Infrastructure Staff Position: No

Offer Description

We are currently seeking a PhD Candidate to join our Food Safety and Functionality Program and Postharvest Program teams located in Monells and Lleida. This role offers a great opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment within our organization.

We invite applications from motivated candidates with a passion for and strong interest in research and innovation activities focused on the production of microbial protein from industrial by-products (UPMICROPRO).

• Conduct literature reviews and compile scientific knowledge on submerged fermentation strategies for fungi and yeasts using agri-food industry by-products.
• Design and implement experiments.
• Screen strains and by-products for high-biomass and high-protein production.
• Optimize microbial growth conditions in lab-scale bioreactors and scale up processes in pilot plant bioreactors.
• Perform downstream operations (filtration, centrifugation, spray-drying, freeze-drying) to obtain high-quality, stable, protein-rich ingredients at lab and pilot scales.
• Characterize products in terms of composition, nutritional quality, and techno-functionality.
• Collect and analyze data.
• Contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations, and technical reports.

Candidates must hold one of the following degrees:

• a) A Master’s in Food Science and Technology, Biotechnology, Food Engineering, or similar;
• b) Eligibility to enroll in a doctoral program, with 60-120 ECTS credits at the master's level or equivalent.

Additional requirements include:

• No previous PhD degree.
• For shortlisted candidates: bring or send a certified copy of degrees and academic transcripts.
• Proficiency in English.
• Strong teamwork skills, adaptability, and a focus on professional growth.

Specific skills and experience:

• Laboratory experience in food analysis and fermentation processes.
• Participation in academic or industry research projects.
• Knowledge of data analysis software (Excel, JMP, R, etc.).
• Strong scientific writing and communication skills.
• Knowledge of Catalan and Spanish is valued.

Research Field: Engineering > Other; Technology > Biotechnology

Research Experience: 1-4 years