Job offer PhD student position - DC3 - Magnetic Resonance-Based Characterization of Aerogel Systems

Nottingham Trent University; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Nottingham Trent University is offering a full-time doctoral position within the FAroGels MSCA Doctoral Network to develop magnetic-resonance tools for characterising food-grade aerogels. The project blends MR imaging and TD-NMR device development, linking lab experiments with industrial relevance.

The successful candidate will enrol as a PhD student at NTU, collaborate with international partner organisations, and contribute to publications, reports and knowledge transfer across the network.

Qualifications

• CV and education details required (education, research experience, technical skills).
• Motivation letter explaining interest and suitability for the project.
• Proof of IELTS/English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 overall, min 6.0 in all subscores).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international setting.

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced MR tools to characterize internal structure and hydration dynamics of food-grade aerogels.
• Plan and conduct lab experiments; analyse data and report results.
• Create bench-top TD-NMR device and compare with MRI results.
• Collaborate with FAroGels partners and participate in meetings/workshops.
• Prepare reports, publications, and dissemination outputs.

Skills

Magnetic resonance

Laboratory analysis

Hardware development

Education

Master's degree or equivalent in physics, engineering or related field

Tools

TD-NMR platform

Job description

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on magnetic resonance analysis of aerogels for quality assurance and to support formulation.
• Use our MRI scanner to understand diffusion, porosity, hydration patterns, and structural variation across different aerogel formulations, and develop a deep understanding of the links between structural information and performance.
• Create a compact benchtop TD-NMR device tailored to aerogels with a combination of simulation and practical construction. This will be experimentally verified against the MRI results. Using CPMG sequences with inverse Laplace transform analysis, the instrument will be used to quantify pore-scale water mobility, hydration states, and structural stability.
• Develop industrial-scale integration and analytical scalability of the time domain system towards the end of the project.
• Plan, perform, document and analyse experimental work using relevant laboratory, analytical, processing and/or modelling methods.
• Participate actively in FAroGels network meetings, workshops, training schools, seminars and transferable-skills activities.
• Undertake planned secondments at FAroGels partner organisations, as specified for the DC project.
• Work collaboratively with academic and non-academic partners across the FAroGels network.
• Prepare scientific reports, project deliverables, presentations, publications and, where relevant, other dissemination or exploitation-related outputs.
• Creating advanced magnetic-resonance (MR) tools to characterise internal structure, hydration dynamics, and functional behaviour of food-grade aerogels, and to translate these into better processing and quality control. This will involve the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging including protocol development, and the creation of bench-top magnetic time domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR) device for use in different laboratory spaces.
• Nottingham Trent University has a platform TD-NMR technology utilising low-cost electronics with combinations of magnets and radiofrequency coils to create systems optimised for specific applications. Using different formulations of aerogels and with different target applications in mind, a small number of bespoke TD-NMR analytical tools will be created.
• This project links to the work of a number of other doctoral candidates who will be optimising formulation, managing drying and seeking applications of the aerogels. This project will provide an analytical toolkit to all project partners.
• The position will involve laboratory-based research, data analysis, scientific communication and close collaboration with other FAroGels Doctoral Candidates, supervisors and partner organisations.

Qualifications

• Master Degree or equivalent, Educational Background: Master's degree (or equivalent) in physics, electromechanical engineering, food engineering or similar.
• Skills: Essential - Strong laboratory and analytical skills in magnetic resonance (imaging or TD-NMR), Desirable - development of magnetic resonance hardware or devices
• Languages: Proficiency in English (written and spoken) is required.
• Strong motivation to pursue doctoral research in an international and interdisciplinary environment.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to collaborative research activities.
• Good organization, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel for planned secondments, network meetings and training activities.
• Commitment to responsible research conduct, inclusion, collegiality and professional development.

Specific Requirements

• A detailed curriculum vitae, including education, research experience, technical skills and relevant achievements.
• A motivation letter explaining your interest in this specific DC position, your relevant background and your suitability for the project.
• Copies of Bachelor's and Master's diplomas and academic transcripts, or evidence that the relevant degree will be completed before the recruitment date.
• Contact details for two referees and reference letters, according to the requirements of Nottingham Trent University.
• Proof of IELTS English-language proficiency above 6.0 in all subscores with an overall average of 6.5 or higher.
• Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Secondments

• 2 months: Technische Universitat Hamburg (TUHH), Germany
• 1 month: University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Spain
• 2 months: Perfat Technologies Oy (PT), Finland

FAroGels Overview

FAroGels - Food-grade Aerogels for Sustainable Food Systems is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe. The network brings together academic and non-academic partners with complementary expertise in food science and technology, materials science, biopolymer science, biotechnology, process engineering, analytical characterization, packaging and sustainable innovation. FAroGels aims to develop, characterize and validate food-grade, bio-based and biodegradable aerogels for sustainable food systems. The network will investigate how these highly porous materials can support more efficient food processing, improved food quality and safety, nutritional and sensory functionality, protection and delivery of bioactive compounds, and sustainable packaging solutions.

Program Context

This position forms part of the FAroGels research program on food-grade, bio-based, and biodegradable aerogels and their application in sustainable food systems. The selected candidate will be employed by Nottingham Trent University and will be required to enrol as a PhD student at Nottingham Trent University, in accordance with the relevant admission and enrolment requirements. The focus of this doctoral project will be:

• Creating advanced magnetic-resonance (MR) tools to characterise internal structure, hydration dynamics, and functional behaviour of food-grade aerogels, and to translate these into better processing and quality control. This will involve the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging including protocol development, and the creation of bench-top magnetic time domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR) device for use in different laboratory spaces.
• Nottingham Trent University has a platform TD-NMR technology utilising low-cost electronics with combinations of magnets and radiofrequency coils to create systems optimised for specific applications. Using different formulations of aerogels and with different target applications in mind, a small number of bespoke TD-NMR analytical tools will be created.
• This project links to the work of a number of other doctoral candidates who will be optimising formulation, managing drying and seeking applications of the aerogels. This project will provide an analytical toolkit to all project partners.
• The position will involve laboratory-based research, data analysis, scientific communication and close collaboration with other FAroGels Doctoral Candidates, supervisors and partner organisations.

What FAroGels Offers

• A full-time doctoral position funded through the FAroGels MSCA Doctoral Network.
• A fixed-term employment contract for 36 months at The Nottingham Trent University.
• A competitive salary and employment conditions in accordance with the MSCA Doctoral Networks funding provisions, applicable national legislation and the policies of TNTU.
• Social-security coverage and other employment-related benefits in accordance with the applicable national and institutional framework.
• A Personal Career Development Plan (PCDP), prepared with the supervisory team and reviewed and updated during the project.
• Access to research facilities, infrastructure, training and support services at the Host Institution and within the FAroGels network.
• Participation in a structured doctoral training programme including scientific and technical training, transferable skills, career development and innovation-oriented activities.
• Planned secondments at FAroGels partner organizations, offering complementary scientific, technical and cross-sectoral experience.
• An international research environment and opportunities to build a professional network across academia and non-academic organizations.

Salary and Financial Package

This position is funded by the FAroGels MSCA Doctoral Network (HORIZON-MSCA-2025-DN-01-01, Grant Agreement No. 101312450). The salary is based on the following monthly MSCA allowances (adjusted by the country correction coefficient of the country of the recruiting organisation to ensure equal treatment and comparable purchasing power for all researchers):

• Living allowance: EUR 5,682.17
• Mobility allowance: EUR 710, contributing to mobility-related costs such as relocation and travel.
• Family allowance (if applicable): EUR 660, paid for the months in which the Doctoral Candidate has a family during the project, including where family obligations arise after recruitment. 'Family' means persons linked to the researcher by marriage (or a relationship with equivalent status recognised by the legislation of the country where it was formalised) or dependent children actually being maintained by the researcher. The allowance is paid in accordance with the rules of the recruiting organisation, and supporting documents may be requested.

Please note: the amounts above represent the total employment cost, from which the employer's and the employee's compulsory social-security contributions and taxes are deducted in accordance with national law. The gross salary paid to the Doctoral Candidate is therefore lower than these amounts, and the net salary depends on personal circumstances.

Eligibility Criteria

• Languages: IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.5 with minimum sub-scores of 6.0 in all component sections (writing, reading, listening and speaking) and the equivalent of a first or upper second class honours degree (you may need a Statement of Comparability, which can be discussed after successful interview).
• Experience in magnetic resonance, ideally in developing magnetic resonance devices, hardware and software
• Mobility rule: Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the United Kingdom for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention or EU temporary protection are not taken into account. Compliance is verified before the start of employment, on the basis of the candidate's passport and, where necessary, other documents.
• Visa and residence permit: a visa or residence/work permit is not required at the application stage and is not a selection criterion. Where needed, it will be arranged after selection and before the start of employment, with the support of the recruiting organisation. Candidates from non-EU countries are equally welcome to apply.

Selection Process

• Eligibility check by the FAroGels Project Manager.
• Evaluation of the eligible applications by an Interview Committee (primary supervisor, co-supervisor(s) and a representative of a non-academic partner) with a standardised scoring matrix; the three to five best-ranked candidates are shortlisted.
• Online interview with the shortlisted candidates.
• Approval of the selection by the FAroGels Supervisory Board,
• Confirmation of NTU eligibility requirements
• Offer and appointment