PhD position in
Edible Water in Water Emulsions
Candidates profile
- MSc or equivalent in food sciences or in physics or physical chemistry of soft matter science or with a solid training in rheological and structural investigations of soft materials or in sensory studies. A degree with distinction is a plus.
- Scientific interest, dedication to research and career goal to work in food or soft matter sciences (academia or research center), or food industry.
- Appreciation for interdisciplinarity and proactive drive to collaborate across fields
- Proficiency in English, good communication skill and social competence
Hiring institution: CNRS Le Mans (France)
Enrolment in a doctoral programme of ED3MG (France) (https://ed-3mg.doctorat-paysdelaloire.fr/)
Supervision:
- Main supervisors: Christophe Chassenieux
- Co-supervisor(s): Taco Nicolai (France)
Objectives:
- Design stable water in water emulsions with whole food grade and plant-based ingredients,
- Investigate their textural (structure and mechanics) properties at rest and under flow,
- Use them as cargos for hydrophilic molecules such as probiotics and various flavours,
- Test their sensorial properties.
Expected results:
- Rules for formulating stable w/w emulsions that display the same textural properties at rest and under shear as oil-in-water emulsions but with no fat.
- Design of functional w/w emulsions as cargo of hydrophilic molecules.
Planned secondments
- Bel, Peggy Thomar, 1month, mechanical study of the hydrogels and emulgels under strong deformation.
- CSIC, Amparo Tarrega and Laura Laguna, 2 months, sensorial studies
- ULUND, Lars Wilson, 3 months, SAXS investigation of w/w interfaces
- USOFIA, Slavka Tcholakova, 1 month, measurements of ultra-low surface tension
- KIRIL, Rositsa Tropcheva, 1month, encapsulation of probiotics
Hosting lab and working environment: IMMM le Mans (France) (https://immm.univ-lemans.fr/fr/index.html).
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: 38.5 hours/week
Estimated monthly gross salary: 3 024 € (Including living and mobility allowance)
Application procedure: Candidates must submit their application via: the ESM website, and the CNRS job portal
Application deadline: 5th of June 2025
Contact for more information: Christophe Chassenieux IMMM@CNRS (christophe.chassenieux@univ-lemans.fr)
Application closed