Postdoctoral Researcher Specialist in Food Nanoencapsulation

INL - International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory

Braga, Portugal

Introduction

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) is seeking an experienced researcher (3- 5 years of active research after PhD), with a scientific background in Biotechnology, Food Science and Technology, Material Science or related area, to work in the development of new encapsulation systems to enhance bioactivity and improve the bioavailability of functional food ingredients. 

Key responsibilities 

The successful candidate will develop targeted and smart delivery micro and nano systems based on food grade biopolymers using different technologies, among others: coacervation, vibrational spray-dryer, electrospray or microfluidics.

Candidates with less than 3 years of active research after PhD may be considered if their profile and scientific record clearly match the required profile and scientific background.

Desired Skills and Experience

• PhD degree in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biological engineering or related area;
• The candidate should demonstrate an outstanding international research track record in the field of food science and technology;
• Experience as a PI in competitive research projects;
• Experience in production/extraction of food grade biopolymers, micro and nanoencapsulation, assessment of in vitro bioactivity (e.g. antioxidant, antihypertensive or antimicrobial) and physical and chemical characterization techniques (Z-sizer, size exclusion chromatography, rheology);
• Experience in the supervision (or co-supervision) of post-graduate students (e.g. MSc).

Personal Skills

• Strong motivation to work both independently and as part of a team in an interdisciplinary environment, with the ability to pay close attention to detail and to meet deadlines;
• Excellent communication skills and experience in the dissemination of results to the scientific community are expected;
• Capable of establishing collaborative ties with distinguished academic groups and relevant industry partners.

Languages

• English is the working language of INL. Therefore, excellent communication skills in English are required.