英国食品研究所食品与健康项目招聘博士后

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research scientist to join the Food and Health Programme at the Institute of Food Research.

We require a PDRA with skills and experience in colloid science to join our team working on the role of food structure on the interplay between the host and digestion of the food in the context of healthy ageing. The overall objective of the planned research is to produce a rationale for the design of age-group specific nutrition. The study will concentrate on investigating the physicochemical and biochemical aspects of the breakdown of protein-stabilised, model food structures under physiological conditions of the human gastrointestinal tract. In particular, it will determine what fundamental structural characteristics protein-based food matrices should possess (and how such structures can be created with different dietary proteins) that would make them applicable in nutritional interventions targeting various physiological responses such as preventing skeletal muscle loss in the elderly.

The post-holder will use a range of methods including protein purification and characterisation, confocal microscopy and multiple-particle tracking to study the structure and microrheology of colloidal food matrices. Experience in protein biochemistry, colloid science/techniques and in vitro digestion models is essential, as this will form the major component of the research project. Digestibility of colloid samples will be investigated under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, so an understanding of digestive processes and basic analytical methods such as HPLC and SDS-PAGE is required. Experience in light scattering for particle sizing, bulk rheology measurements, SEM, FTIR as well as in handling biological samples will be an advantage, but training will be offered to excellent candidates lacking this experience. The post would therefore suit a talented researcher with a passion for food colloid science and the drive and enthusiasm needed to learn new skills.

The applicant should have (or be close to completing) a PhD in colloid science, food biophysics, chemistry, or a related discipline together with experience in structural analysis of food and in vitro digestion models. Additionally, the applicant would be expected to have a good publication record with first-author papers in high-impact journals and must be highly motivated with the drive to succeed. The applicant must be able to design and conduct experiments, prepare and present their work at meetings, and write scientific reports and manuscripts.

Salary on appointment will be within the range £29,500 to £36,060 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. The position is available for 36 months in the first instance.

Please submit a letter of interest, your CV (including a list of publications), and name and contact information of three references. For full details of how to apply, please visit our website http://jobs.ifr.ac.uk or contact Human Resources, NBI Partnership, Norwich Bioscience Institutes, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK, 01603 450149 quoting reference 1002735. As a user of the disability symbol, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria for this vacancy.

The closing date for applications will be 2nd December 2014….