Job offer

Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS); France; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

An established research institution is offering a unique opportunity for aspiring researchers in the field of food sciences. This PhD position within the 'Edible Soft Matter' project focuses on developing innovative plant-based food products through interdisciplinary collaboration. Candidates will engage in cutting-edge research, gaining valuable experience in formulating stable emulsions and understanding their properties. This is a chance to contribute to significant advancements in food technology while being part of a vibrant international network of experts. If you are passionate about research and eager to make an impact in the food industry, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Candidates must have a solid background in food sciences or physics.
• Dedication to research and career goals in food or soft matter sciences is essential.

Responsabilités

• Design stable water-in-water emulsions using plant-based ingredients.
• Investigate textural properties of emulsions and their applications.

Connaissances

Research in Food Sciences

Rheological Investigations

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Proficiency in English

Formation

MSc in Food Sciences

MSc in Physics

MSc in Physical Chemistry

Description du poste

Organisation/Company Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS) Department Institut des Molécules et Matériaux du Mans Research Field Chemistry » Physical chemistry Physics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country France Application Deadline 31 May 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 38.5 Offer Starting Date 1 Nov 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number 101168870 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Doctoral Network “Edible Soft Matter” (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.
The consortium includes eleven Beneficiaries from seven countries (including three from the non- academic sector) who will each recruit at least one Doctoral Candidate and twelve Associated Partners (including four from the non-academic sector) with worldwide recognised and complementary expertise.
18 Doctoral Candidates will be recruited and trained in the frame of the ESM project. Through the implementation of an Individual Research Project (IRP) and the network-wide training activities, characterized by a strong involvement of the non-academic partners of the project, the Doctoral Candidates will develop the hard and soft skills needed to face the current challenges related to food and environmental transitions.

The ESM project is organised in seven work-packages (WP) including four research-based WP and three transversal WP dedicated respectively to Doctoral candidates training (WP5), Communication, dissemination & exploitation of the project results (WP6) and to Project management and coordination (WP7). The research-based WP unravel basic scientificquestions to address the essential food-related research objectives:Plant-based Ingredients(WP1),Assemblies and Interactions(WP2),Multiscale Structuring(WP3) andTowards Innovative Manufactured Foods(WP4). The scientific objectives of the project will be achieved through the implementation of 18 Individual Research Projects (IRP).

IRP5: PhD position in "Edible Water in Water Emulsions"

Supervision:

Objectives:

• Design stable water in water emulsions with whole food grade and plant-based ingredients,
• Investigate their textural (structure and mechanics) properties at rest and under flow,
• Use them as cargos for hydrophilic molecules such as probiotics and various flavours,
• Test their sensorial properties.

Expected results:

• Rules for formulating stable w/w emulsions that display the same textural properties at rest and under shear as oil-in-water emulsions but with no fat.
• Design of functional w/w emulsions as cargo of hydrophilic molecules.

Planned secondments

• Bel, Peggy Thomar, 1month, mechanical study of the hydrogels and emulgels under strong deformation.
• CSIC, Amparo Tarrega and Laura Laguna, 2 months, sensorial studies
• ULUND, Lars Wilson, 3 months, SAXS investigation of w/w interfaces
• USOFIA, Slavka Tcholakova, 1 month, measurements of ultra-low surface tension
• KIRIL, Rositsa Tropcheva, 1month, encapsulation of probiotics
• MSc or equivalent in food sciences or in physics or physical chemistry of soft matter science or with a solid training in rheological and structural investigations of soft materials or in sensory studies. A degree with distinction is a plus.
• Scientific interest, dedication to research and career goal to work in food or soft matter sciences (academia or research center), or food industry.
• Appreciation for interdisciplinarity and proactive drive to collaborate across fields
• Proficiency in English, good communication skill and social competence

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Additional Information

The following amount are gross amount including all charges. The gross and net salary will therefore vary from one position to another depending on the partner hiring the Doctoral Candidate.

Living allowance (to be corrected by a country correction coefficient): 3400€

Mobility allowance: 600€

Family allowance (if applicable): 660€

Eligibility criteria

Eligibility rule: All researchers recruited must be Doctoral Candidate i.e. not already in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment and undertake transnational mobility (see the mobility rule below). Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible.

Mobility rule: researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their date of recruitment. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not taken into account.

In addition to the respect of the eligibility and mobility rule, the selection criteria will be scientific excellence, motivation and suitability for the job. Special attention will be paid to gender and equal opportunity issues.

The ESM PhD positions are open to all candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background

Selection process

For each PhD position offered in the frame of ESM, a dedicated recruitment committee will pre-assess the applications and organise a face-to-face meeting when possible or an online interview with the selected applicants. The Equal Opportunities Officer will review the short list of candidates selected for interview to ensure that the principle of openness, transparency and merit-based only recruitment have been observed. In case of two candidates with equal qualifications, gender and equity aspects will influence the final selection. After validation of the recruitment decision at project scale, the selected candidates will be hired on a full-time basis with full social security coverage according to MSCA rules and national employment regulations.