IRP 9

PhD position in

Physical properties of cellulose suspensions for food applications

Candidates profile

• MSc or equivalent in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Engineering or Materials Science with a solid training in experimental techniques, data analysis with desirable knowledge of material characterisation, rheology and imaging.
• Scientific interest, dedication to research and career goal to work in physical science research
• Appreciation for interdisciplinarity and proactive drive to collaborate across fields
• Proficiency in English, good communication skill and social competence

Hiring institution: University of Edinburgh (UEDIN)

Enrolment in a doctoral programme of School of Physics and Astronomy

Supervision:

• Main supervisor: David Fairhurst (UEDIN)
• Co-supervisor(s): Wilson Poon (UEDIN)
• Co-supervisor(s): Laurence Ramos (CNRS)
• Co-supervisor(s): David Skuse (FIB) or Ben Bulson (FIB)

Objectives:

• Characterise and understand how different cellulose morphology and surface chemistry impact rheological and other properties of pure cellulose suspensions.
• Use the knowledge to probe the rheology of cellulose-protein mixtures. This should enable future deployment of cellulose as a sustainable ingredient in foods with health benefits, as extra fibre as well as functioning as a bulking agent in reduced-sugar formulations

Expected results:

• Stability of cellulose suspensions in terms of surface modifications and particle morphology.
• Rheology of cellulose suspension in terms of surface modifications and particle morphology.
• Design principles for including cellulose in food-related protein-cellulose mixture, such as in bread dough

Planned secondments:

• Fiberlean, Cornwall, UK (industrial partner): production and characterisation of cellulose fibres, implementation of fundamental results on the sample rheology to industrial processes (exact timings to be confirmed)
• CNRS Montpellier, France (academic partner): structure and rheology of mixture of cellulose with plant-based proteins (3 months)

Hosting lab and working environment: Institute for Condensed Matter and Complex Systems, School of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Edinburgh

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: 37.5

Estimated monthly gross salary: £3566 (approx. €4160) (including living and mobility allowance, and personal pension contributions) OR £4119 (approx. €4800) (including living and mobility allowance without personal pension contributions)

Application procedure: students must apply through the ESM website and University of Edinburgh Euclid system (a link will be provided when this is ready).

Application deadline: 31st of May 2025

Contact for more information: Dr David Fairhurst david.fairhurst@ed.ac.uk