PhD-student in Food Science

Department of Molecular Sciences

PhD-student in Food Science

Comparative characterisation of structure and digestibility of plant-based proteins and dietary fibres in relation to processing.

This doctoral project focuses on plant-based proteins and dietary fibres from Nordic crops. It aims to address challenges in sustainable food systems by investigating how processing influences structure, functionality, and nutritional properties of plant-based food. The project will examine relationships between processing conditions, microstructure, and nutritional value in mixtures of legumes and cereals (e.g. pea, fava bean, oat) combined with dietary fibres and other ingredients.

The work will be done at the Department of Molecular Sciences at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, within the interdisciplinary research centre PAN Sweden, in collaboration with academic and industrial partners.

About the position

You will conduct research on how structural characteristics of foods and biomaterials altered and affect their properties including nutritional composition, bioavailability and bioaccessibility. The candidate needs to have a genuine interest in interdisciplinary research bridging between physico-chemical properties of protein and fibres to their impacts in foods on nutrition and health.

The main aim is to characterise various proteins in combination with dietary fibres and other ingredients in terms of structure, bioaccesibility, digestion, fermentation and storage condition and in relation to various processing conditions. This will enable prediction of health benefits as well as sensory properties as taste and texture attributes.

The PhD student will independently plan, design, and carry out experimental studies within the project framework. This includes developing experimental protocols, executing laboratory work, and ensuring quality and reproducibility of data.

You will develop analytical methods to investigate structure–function relationships in plant-based systems, including rheological measurements, microscopy, and spectroscopic techniques. In vitro digestion models will be used to generate and interpret data related to nutrient bioaccessibility.

The work also involves:

• processing and statistical evaluation of experimental data, including multivariate analysis
• interpretation of results in relation to structure–function relationships
• writing scientific articles and contributing to reports and
• presenting results at conferences and meetings

You will participate in doctoral courses and contribute to the broader research environment at the department.

Requirements

To meet the general entry requirements you must have:

• been awarded a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification;
• satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle, or
• acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad (Higher Education Ordinance 1993:100, Chapter 7, Section 39).

Specific entry requirements for the third-cycle courses and study programme in food science. 

You must also meet the equivalent English language requirements as those necessary for the Swedish upper-secondary qualification English B/6.

Your profile

The successful applicant for the position as PhD student should hold a Master of science in chemistry, physics, materials science, food technology, food science, biotechnology or similar. Knowledge on the structural properties of foods and techniques to study such is central. Experience in microscopy (light, confocal, electron) and rheology is meritorious. Personal qualities such as sense of responsibility and ability to independently perform duties as part of a research team will be valued. Mandatory experiences and skills include experimental laboratory work, scientific writing skills and ability to work in interdisciplinary projects. It is meritorious to experience of the food industry. Excellent communication skills in both oral and written scientific English are required.

About us

The PhD position is located at the department of Molecular Sciences at SLU within the centre on Plant-based Protein for Health and Wellbeing - PAN Sweden, https://www.oru.se/english/strategic-initiatives/food-and-health/pan-sweden/.

The Department of Molecular Sciences at SLU, where the employment is located, currently consists of approximately 100 employees and provides a high quality infrastructure. The Department provides the scientific community, trustee and the public with knowledge about chemical compounds and biological processes, as well as their importance to society and its development. The department conducts research, teaching and  environmental monitoring in the field of inorganic, physical and organic chemistry, biochemistry, natural product chemistry, food science and microbiology. Visit us at https://www.slu.se/institutions/molekylara-vetenskaper/

Read more about staff benefits and life as an SLU employee on https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ 

Read more about third-cycle courses and study programmes on www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/.

Form of employment / Funding
Employment as a doctoral student (4-year programme),

Doctoral student’s salaries are set following the local collective agreement. Salary progression is fixed.

Location:
Uppsala

Scope:
100%

Start date:
Upon agreement.

Application and selection:
Please submit your application using the link below. The deadline is 13 May 2026.

Read more about the attachments that your application should include at https://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/how-can-i-become-a-doctoral-student/application/

Selection among eligible applicants is based on the documents attached to the application, and is carried out with regard to the applicant’s ability to complete the programme within the allotted time.

Academic union representatives:

https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/

 

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden. SLU has around 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 4,5 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.