IRP 11

PhD position in

Structure, stability, and mechanical properties of complex hybrid plant protein-polysaccharide gels

Hive is Unilever’s global Foods Innovation Centre (UFIC) at the Wageningen Campus in the Netherlands, the Silicon Valley of Food. Hive is a home of around 500 employees, innovating on some of the world’s best loved food brands like Knorr, Hellmann’s and Unilever Food Solutions. UFIC conducts research and development on a broad range of food product formats. The research is conducted covers topics of formulation and processing of soft-condensed matter, colloids, and interface science of dispersions (e.g. suspensions, foams, emulsions) and their uses to control product functionality (i.e. appearance, taste, texture, stability, digestion).

Currently, we are looking for an early-stage researcher, a PhD candidate, to investigate structure, stability, and mechanical properties of complex hybrid plant protein-polysaccharide gels. The project will be part of Horizon Europe, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action Doctoral Networks -Edible Soft Matter which to provide integrated training for young researchers in the field of Soft Matter and related Industrial Applications. The candidate will investigate Understand and control the microstructure of plant protein-polysaccharide gels comprising a second fat/lipid dispersed phase in relation to mechanical properties and stability, as a demonstrator for plant-based food systems. Experimental tools include combination of rheometry, including extensional rheology (University of Amsterdam), microscopy, including in situ microscopy and scattering.

Job requirements:

The candidate should hold a Master’s degree in Physics, Physical-Chemistry, Colloids Science, Materials Science, or a related field and have a good background in Soft Matter Science. Prior knowledge of scattering and rheology and/or computer simulations will be a good asset.

A proven affinity or experience in using characterisation methods (CSLM, TEM, SEM), mechanical characterisation, rheological and scattering (SLS, DLS, SAXS) experimental techniques for characterisation of dispersion based soft condensed systems speaks strongly in your favour. Modelling expertise using Phyton, Matlab is an advantage. We seek a self-motivated, curious and pro-active candidate with excellent communicative and organizational skills.

Fluent in spoken and written English (IELTS min. 7 or TOEFL internet-based min. 90 or similar level as determined by other tests).

Eligibility criteria

• Less than 4 years full-time research experience and not have a doctoral degree.
• The candidate must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 36 months preceding recruitment.

Terms of employment

• 3-year full-time employment contract at Unilever Innovation Center Wageningen – continuation after the first year is dependent upon a positive evaluation. The contract will be extended by 1 year at University of Amsterdam. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis).
• Enrolment in a PhD program at University of Amsterdam (Prof. K.P. Velikov). After successful completion of the research a PhD degree will be granted.
• Supervision by recognized experts and access to state-of-the-art research and pilot-scale equipment
• Additional mobility, travel and career exploratory allowances.
• Training in complementary skills via workshops and conferences

Application procedure

To apply please attach a letter of motivation describing research career goals, skills and experience, curriculum vitae, list of academic subjects and grades at the master level, and full contact details of two referees. Equal consideration will be given to female or male applicants. Dossiers in pdf-format should be sent by e-mail to Krassimir.Velikov@Unilever.com and via the ESM Project website.

Application deadline: 31st of May 2025.