IRP 14

PhD position in

Improving design of plant based ‘cheese’: impact of formulation and environmental conditions on the mechanical properties

Candidates profile

• MSc or equivalent in food science or technology with a solid training in formulation, rheology, light scattering or microscropy applied to hydrocolloids and proteins.
• Scientific interest, dedication to research and career goal to work in food/dairy industry.
• Appreciation for interdisciplinarity and proactive drive to collaborate across fields
• Proficiency in English, good communication skill and social competence

Hiring institution: BEL Group

Enrolment in a doctoral programme of Ecole Doctorale 3MG « Matière, Molécules, Matériaux & Géosciences »

Supervision:

• Main supervisor: Dr. Peggy Thomar
• Co-supervisor(s): Pr. Christophe Chassenieux

Objectives:

Understand the thermodynamic and microstructure of complex mixtures containing starch/fibre/plant protein/salt that are currently used to mimic cheese and their impact on the thermomechanical properties of the resulting cheese. (ii) Establish phase diagrams to identify domains with different types of networks (interpenetrated, segregated, nanocomposite) at rest. (iii) Investigate the influence of temperature and shear to establish how the processing conditions impact the thermomechanical properties of formulations. (iv) Confront the learnings to more realistic situations – replacing model ingredients by raw ones (native starch, non-purified ingredients) and by adding plant-based fats​

Expected results: 

Structure/properties relationship for a complex ternary starch/fibre/plant protein at rest and under shear. (ii) Rationale for an optimised design of plant-based cheese with control of functionality thanks to the formulation and process. (iii) Establishment of a strategy of formulation/process to replace functionality of any additives by raw ingredients. (iv) Proof of feasibility for food application (stability, pilot scale and use as food ingredients). ​

Planned secondments

CNRS, Institut des Matières et Molécules du Mans, C. Chassenieux, 10 months.

Hosting lab and working environment: BEL Group – 7, boulevard de l’industrie, F-41 100 Vendome.

Type of recruitment: Full-time exclusive employment contract including full social security coverage

Foreseen start date: 1st of October 2025

Duration: 36 months.

Hours per week:  daily package for managers

Estimated monthly gross salary: Approximately €3500 per month (base 13).

Application procedure: via the ESM website

Application deadline: 15th of June

Contact for more information: hernan.kenmogne@groupe-bel.com or peggy.thomar@groupe-bel.com