Postdoctoral Research Associate in Plant-based Fermented Meat Alternatives

We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) with expertise in food science and fermentation who will be working within the Food Research Group, which is part of the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences. The post is funded as a fixed term (36 months) contract through the UKRI Engineering Biology Hub for Microbial Foods, which involves several UK academic partners (Imperial College London, University of Reading, University of Kent, Aberystwyth University, University of Cambridge, Rothamsted Research), and multiple industrial and food organisation partners.

The aim of the project is to advance our fundamental understanding of developing plant-based fermented products that can serve as alternatives to animal-based products. It will investigate the impact of fermentation, raw material selection and formulation strategies on food quality and preservation, including physical properties, organoleptic properties and nutritional value. The project will be supported by state-of-the-art facilities, including the Food Processing Centre which includes a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) food pilot plant, Sensory Science Centre, Flavour Centre and Chemical Analysis Facility.

This project is a unique opportunity for an enthusiastic scientist to work in an innovative and multidisciplinary environment and advance the current state-of-the-art in plant-based fermented foods.

You will have:

1. A PhD in a relevant area
2. Hands-on skills in microbial fermentation, food formulation and food quality assessment
3. Understanding of food ingredient functionality
4. Good project management and time management skills
5. Strong communication skills

Please see the job description and personal specification for further details.

The closing date for applications is 23.59 on 15 January 2025.

Interview date - 3rd February 2025.

Contact details for the advert

Contact Name: Dimitris Charalampopoulos
Contact Job Title: Professor of Food Biotechnology
Contact Email address: d.charalampopoulos@reading.ac.uk
Alternative Contact Name: Afroditi Chatzifragkou
Alternative Contact Job Title: Associate Professor in Sustainable Bioprocessing
Alternative Contact Email address: a.chatzifragkou@reading.ac.uk

By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. Successful candidates not already holding a Skilled Worker visa issued before 4th April 2024 will need to have a relevant PhD qualification or qualify as a new entrant before being able to be sponsored. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.