PhD Opportunity in Food Microbiology and Molecular Biology

University of Lleida; España; On-site; EUR 15,000 - 17,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Funding for predoctoral fellowships

Training in multidisciplinary research

Job summary

University of Lleida, through the Postharvest Microbiology and Technology Research Group, invites applications for a PhD in Food Microbiology and Molecular Biology. The project is part of GENE2PRODUCT and aims to understand spoilage mechanisms in fruit juices, focusing on guaiacol production by Alicyclobacillus and strategies to reduce it.

The candidate will engage in microbiology, molecular biology and applied research, with opportunities for training and predoctoral fellowship applications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in a relevant field and a strong academic record.
• Good command of English and interest in experimental research.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Characterisation of Alicyclobacillus strains and their guaiacol-producing capacity.
• Study genetic and metabolic factors associated with guaiacol formation.
• Evaluate conditions to reduce guaiacol production in acidic beverages.
• Data analysis, interpretation and dissemination of results.

Skills

English proficiency

Independent researcher

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Food Science and Technology, Biology or related

Master’s degree granting access to a PhD programme

Job description

Food Technology, Engineering and Science

Organisation / Company University of Lleida Department Food Technology, Engineering and Science Laboratory Potsharvest Microbiology and Technology Is the Hosting related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

The Postharvest Microbiology and Technology Research Group at the University of Lleida (UdL), affiliated with Agrotecnio CERCA Centre, is seeking a motivated candidate interested in undertaking a PhD in Food Microbiology and Molecular Biology.

About the project

The PhD thesis will be developed within the GENE2PRODUCT project, funded by the Spanish Research Agency (AEI).

The project focuses on understanding the mechanisms responsible for microbial spoilage in fruit juices and other acidic beverages. In particular, the research will investigate how specific species and strains of the genus Alicyclobacillus produce guaiacol, a compound responsible for undesirable odours and flavours, and will study treatments and processing conditions that may help reduce its formation. The research combines food microbiology, molecular biology and applied research to develop strategies for spoilage prevention and quality improvement.

Research activities

• Characterisation of Alicyclobacillus strains and their guaiacol-producing capacity.
• Study the genetic and metabolic factors associated with guaiacol formation.
• Experimental evaluation of conditions and strategies to reduce guaiacol production in acidic beverages.
• Data analysis and interpretation, and dissemination of scientific results.

Candidate profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Food Science and Technology, Biology or related disciplines.
• University Master’s degree granting access to a PhD programme.
• Strong academic record, with a minimum average grade of 6.5/10.
• Good command of English, interest in experimental research, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Previous practical experience in microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics or research projects will be valued. Previous experience with Alicyclobacillus is not required.

Funding and training

Support will be provided for the preparation of applications for competitive predoctoral fellowships, including FPU, Joan Oró and the University of Lleida’s own calls, always according to the requirements and deadlines of each programme. Recruitment will depend on obtaining funding.

The research group offers training in food microbiology, molecular biology and experimental methodologies within a multidisciplinary research environment.

• Academic transcripts for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, including average grades.
• Brief description of your Bachelor’s/Master’s thesis or relevant research experience.
• Short motivation letter explaining your interest in the doctoral project.

Application deadline: 7 November 2026. Candidates interested in applying for the FPU 2026 fellowship are encouraged to contact us as soon as possible.