Doctoral researcher in food science

We are looking for a junior researcher (doctoral researcher) in food science.  

LUT University’s Department of Separation Science is looking for a junior researcher to conduct research on food processing and technology. 

The Department of Separation Science is Finland’s largest academic research unit specialising in separation and purification technologies. The department conducts separation method-driven research on water purification, biorefining, minerals engineering, metals refining and Power-to-X technologies. The department employs approximately 110 researchers and works in close cooperation with industry.  

The department’s research deals with the development of novel separation strategies (chemical, biological, and physical) in pretreatment or downstream operations in food processing; the evaluation of the functionality of food and raw materials after critical processing in terms of solubility, physicochemical properties of the main components, and formulation; and the development of techno-economical and life cycle analysis. 

The work will take place in the context of the project KooRuoKo, which focuses on sustainable food system innovations in Kouvola and is funded by the Regional Council of Kymenlaakso. The main goal of the project is to build an innovation ecosystem based in a higher education institution, enabling state-of-the-art research, development, and innovation and educating high-level professionals for business and industries.   

What we expect

Applicants must have a master’s degree or the equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., food science), the ability to complete the doctoral degree within the normative duration of the studies for the degree, and a right to complete doctoral studies at LUT University. 

Junior researchers must submit an application for the right to complete doctoral studies with all required appendices to the LUT Doctoral School within the first two months of the employment relationship. 

If you are applying with an unfinished master’s degree, your degree must be completed before the employment contract is finalised.

What we value

• The ability to work both independently and in a team under the guidance provided 
• A results- and research-oriented mindset
• Excellent written and spoken English 
• Experience in and knowledge of food processing, biochemistry, food microbiology and technology, food engineering and processing, and/or food quality and safety
• Knowledge of and skills in chemical engineering, chemistry, and analytical chemistry (additional advantages) 

What we offer

In addition to a competitive salary, the wide range of benefits that come with the job include a holiday bonus, generous annual leave, a research incentive scheme with personal rewards for high-quality publications, flexible working hours, occupational health care, a collegial working environment, and continued commitment to your support, learning, training, and development.

Employment relationship and pay

The employment relationship starts with a one-year term including a six-month trial period, and it can be extended by three years provided that the studies and research have progressed satisfactorily in the first year. The start date is 2 January 2025 (negotiable). The job is located at the LUT School of Engineering Sciences, Kouvola, Finland.  

The salary is based on the current collective agreement for Finnish universities. The typical gross annual starting salary for a junior researcher is approximately 32 500 euros. 

Applications 

The deadline for applications is 24 November 2024 at midnight, Finnish local time (UTC + 2h). 

Please fill out the online application form and attach the following documents in English and in PDF format: 

• Motivation letter highlighting your research skills relevant to the position and describing why you are interested in and suitable for the position.
• Curriculum vitae (CV) following the guidelines of theFinnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity.
• Scanned copies of your original degree certificates (bachelor’s, master’s) and transcripts of records. If the original documents are not in English, each document must be accompanied by an official certified translation into English. If your degree is still unfinished, provide an official estimate of your graduation date confirmed by your supervisor or school.
• List of publications.
• Contact information of two people who can provide references.

Only applications that include the required documents will be considered. 

Further information

Assistant Professor Samuel Perez Vega, samuel.perez.vega@lut.fi, +358 50 471 8108.

Read more about LUT as an employer and the LUT Doctoral School.

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Technical support for using the recruitment system: recruitment@lut.fi.

Application period starts: 2024-10-24 09:00 Application period ends: 2024-11-24 23:59