Marie Sklodowska-Curie Early-Stage Researcher

The University of Edinburgh; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits in a vibrant international community at a prestigious institution. This PhD position focuses on the innovative study of cellulose suspensions for food applications, contributing to a European Doctoral Network. Candidates will engage in interdisciplinary research, develop essential skills in experimental techniques, and enjoy placement opportunities with industry leaders. With a commitment to equality and diversity, this role offers a supportive environment for aspiring researchers aiming to make impactful contributions in the field of physical science.

Benefits

Mobility Allowance

Family Allowance

Weekly Supervisory Meetings

Placement Opportunities

Attendance at International Meetings

Creative Work Environment

Diverse International Community

Qualifications

• MSc or equivalent in relevant fields with solid training in experimental techniques.
• Dedication to research and a goal to work in physical science research.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on physical properties of cellulose suspensions for food applications.
• Collaborate with international experts and participate in workshops.

Skills

Experimental Techniques

Data Analysis

Material Characterisation

Rheology

Imaging

Proficiency in English

Communication Skills

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Education

MSc in Physics

MSc in Physical Chemistry

MSc in Engineering

MSc in Materials Science

Job description

Grade ARC 67/68: £37,286- £43,927 per annum (Depending on opt in/out of USS)

Mobility allowance - £5,507 per annum

Family allowance - £6,058 per annum (if applicable)

College of Science & Engineering, School of Physics & Astronomy

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Fixed-term: 3 Years

The Opportunity:

This PhD position on Physical Properties of Cellulose Suspensions for Food Applications is part of a European-wide Doctoral Network on Edible Soft Matter , funded by the European Union under the framework of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme. The international, interdisciplinary, and cross-sectoral network gathers together leading experts in basic and applied soft matter and food sciences to train 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.

This post is full-time (35 hours per week) and fixed term for 3 years.

Your skills and attributes for success:

• MSc or equivalent in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Engineering or Materials Science with a solid training in experimental techniques, data analysis with desirable knowledge of material characterisation, rheology and imaging.
• Scientific interest, dedication to research and career goal to work in physical science research
• Appreciation for interdisciplinarity and proactive drive to collaborate across fields
• Proficiency in English, good communication skill and social competence

Click to view a copy of the full job description (opens new browser tab)

Application Information:

To be eligible for this post, you cannot have lived in UK for more than 12 months in the previous 36 months.

Please ensure you include the following documents in your application:

- CV

- Cover letter

In addition to the University of Edinburgh website, applicants must also apply via the ESM website

As a valued member of our team you can expect:

• Weekly supervisory meetings with local team and industrial supervisor.
• Placement opportunities with the industrial partner (Fiberlean, in Cornwall) and academic partner (CNRS, in Montpellier, France)
• Attendance at international meetings and workshops
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community

Championing equality, diversity and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

The School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Edinburgh is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce, and eliminating discrimination.
The School strives to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace for all and we are looking to actively diversify our staff. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and in particular encourage applications from people of colour, women, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people and other minority and under-represented groups. We aim to ensure that our culture and systems support flexible and family-friendly working, as evidenced by our Juno Champion and Athena SWAN Silver awards.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on ourright to work webpages (opens new browser tab)

The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 30 May 2025.

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.

Interviews will be held 30 June 2025.