Researcher in Food Science and Technology - PhD Scholarship Programme Vicente López

Eurecat is the main Research & Technology Organisation in Catalonia and the second largest private research organization in southern Europe. It brings together the experience of more than 700 professionals who generate an annual turnover of 55.8 million euros and provides services to more than 2,000 companies. Applied R&D, technological services, highly specialized training, technological consultancy or valorisation and exploitation of industrial property are some of the services that Eurecat offers for both large and small and medium-sized enterprises in all sectors. The technology centre participates in more than 200 large national and international consortium projects of high strategic R&I and has 181 patents and 10 spin-offs. The added value provided by Eurecat accelerates innovation, reduces spending on scientific and technological infrastructures, reduces risks and provides specialized knowledge tailored to each company. It has eleven centres in Catalonia (Spain) and one in Chile (Latam).

The Eurecat Nutrition and Health Unit is part of the Mixed Platform (UDL-Eurecat) in Food Science and Technology, which specializes in the design, assessment, and validation of the rheological and organoleptic properties of reformulated food.

Eurecat Nutrition and Health Unit and Universitat de Lleida are offering a PhD position to develop the following PhD thesis: "From Batch to Continuous Fermentation Processes: Improving Yield in Ingredient Production".

The goal of reformulating foods is to improve the nutritional profile of different food matrices by using both trending scientific approaches and advanced technologies in food science and technology.

The main aim of this doctoral thesis is to study continuous fermentation processes, using single-cell protein production as a case study. To achieve this, the research will focus on three key areas:

1. Fermentation Optimization: evaluating selected microorganisms or their combinations to enhance single-cell protein production.
2. Bioreactor Design and Construction: defining the requirements for developing a continuous fermentation system.
3. Ingredient Characterization: assessing the properties of the produced ingredient, particularly its protein fraction.

Functions and Responsibilities:

1. Design and perform analyses according to the PhD work plan.
2. Analyze scientific data and write scientific papers.
3. Provide support for research tasks in the Nutrition and Health unit.

Requirements:

Studies and Knowledge:

1. Master's degree or equivalent in Biotechnology or Bioengineering.
2. Familiarity with food technology and fermentation equipment.
3. Knowledge of Food Science and Technology will be valued.

Soft Skills:

1. Teamwork and the ability to work independently.
2. Excellent communication skills, flexibility, and creativity.

A certain degree of mobility is expected due to PhD requirements, such as conferences and institutional visits.

Languages:

1. High oral and written communication skills in English.
2. Knowledge of Catalan or Spanish is desirable.

Submission of Applications:

1. Complete the registration forms, making sure they provide all the information requested.
2. Provide the following documentation:
1. A photocopy of their valid NIF, NIE or passport.
2. A CV and covering letter explaining their reasons for applying to the program.
3. A photocopy of the official academic certificate (or payment receipt for it) that grants them access to the doctoral program.
4. The academic transcript of their master’s degree studies. Applicants who have not yet completed their master’s degree studies must submit their most recent academic transcript.
5. Accreditation of any other relevant achievements.

Before March 18th, 2025

Selection Process:

The selection process will be led by a committee that includes the Scientific Management department, a specialist from the People and Organization department, and the person who will be responsible for supervising the thesis connected to the vacancy.

Once the applicants' compliance with the requirements has been verified, the Commission will evaluate the merits of each application based on the curriculum, academic transcript, previous research activity, previous experience in the field of the thesis in the industrial/company sector and their fluency in English.

The evaluation process will include selection interviews.

Criteria:

1. Curriculum: Up to 20 points
2. Motivation Letter: Up to 10 points
3. Academic Transcript: Up to 20 points
4. Previous research activity: Up to 10 points
5. Previous experience in the field of the thesis in the industrial sector or company: Up to 10 points
6. Fluency in English: Up to 10 points
7. Fluency in Spanish: Up to 10 points
8. Fluency in Catalan: Up to 10 points

The committee will then create a prioritized list of applications that received positive evaluations. If no application reaches the minimum score of 60 points based on the criteria outlined in the previous section, the committee may void the call. In this scenario, Eurecat may restart the selection process, establishing new deadlines for application submissions and the selection procedure.

Every applicant will be informed about the status of their application in the program. By applying, the applicant agrees to these terms. Non-compliance with these terms, incomplete documentation, or any other formal defects will result in the exclusion of the application from the selection process.

Decisions will be communicated to applicants via the email address provided during registration.