Marie Curie PhD position to study colloidal particles at interfaces – understanding novel food emulsions - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Chemistry - Ångström conducts research and education in the chemistry field. The department has more than 250 employees and has a turnover of 250 million SEK. At the department's six programs, we conduct very successful research of a high international standard. We have a large number of externally funded research projects, often with international cooperation and we see continued good growth in our subject area. The department has education assignments in engineering programs and master's programs. More information is available on our website. 

This project gives the opportunity to start your research career in a European training network of leading research universities and professionals from industry. Your interest in this opportunity can be fulfilled by applying for the PhD position, which will enable you to join the PICKFOOD project (www.pickfood.eu). PICKFOOD is a top-level interdisciplinary training and research programme involving 15 PhD positions across physics, physical chemistry and food science. PICKFOOD aims to create, at a European level, a network of next generation young scientists trained in novel methodologies within Pickering emulsions research enabling the development of safe, healthy and functional foods and at the same time minimizing food waste.

Duties
Pickering emulsions are dispersions stabilised by particles rather than conventional surfactants at liquid interfaces.  The PhD project will use advanced scattering methods with both X-rays and neutrons to investigate the organisation of particles adsorbed at liquid/liquid interfaces.  The research in this project will centre on experiments designed to study how different particles are located and interact with various components: investigation will be made on ‘model’ systems and with those used in practical applications.  The successful candidate will have access to recently installed small-angle X-ray scattering facilities that include USAXS as well as participate in experiments at international neutron and synchrotron facilities with which there are established collaborations.

The training network will involve co-operation between partners and extended visits are planned to Unilever research laboratories in the Netherlands and to NTNU, in Norway.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects mentioned above and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

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Requirements
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.
  

The candidate must have:

• degree or equivalent as above in Chemistry, Physics or a related discipline.
• very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• good computer skills.
• demonstrated good experimental skills.

We are looking for a candidate who is highly motivated, willing to ask questions and eager to learn new science and has strong perseverance in the face of challenging tasks.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Additional qualifications: Familiarity with colloids and/or the use of scattering techniques would be a particular merit.  

Advanced knowledge and/or practical experience in surface chemistry, organic chemistry or relevant analytical methods. Previous project work that demonstrates deductive, analytical, and problem-solving skills is an advantage.

The rules about PhD students are found in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5 §§1-7 and the university's rules and guidelines. 

About the employment
he employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 2022-03-01 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala but periods abroad will be included in the position. 

The training network has specific requirements as regards transnational mobility:

• The applicant is required to undertake transnational mobility (i.e. move from one country to another) when taking up the appointment. At the time of recruitment by the host beneficiary, the applicant must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their host beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the reference date. Note that the mobility rule applies to Sweden where the researcher is recruited, and not to co-hosting research groups to which the researcher is sent or seconded.
• The applicants shall, at the time of recruitment be in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research careers and not yet have been awarded a doctoral degree. Full-time equivalent research experience is measured from the date when a researcher obtained the degree which would formally entitle him or her to embark on a doctorate, either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the researcher is recruited.

For further information about the position, please contact: Professor Adrian Rennie Adrian.Rennie@kemi.uu.se .

Please submit your application by 28 January 2022, UFV-PA 2021/5057.

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