»15 PhD positions available for Early Stage Researchers at »Advanced Research and Training Network in Food Quality, Safety and Security« FoodTraNet, H2020 MSCA ITN Project«

The FoodTraNet network opens a call for applications within the framework of the FoodTraNet project (Advanced Research and Training Network in Food Quality, Safety and Security). These positions will be funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement no. 956265.

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action “Advanced Research and Training Network in Food Quality, Safety and Security” – “FoodTraNet” is designed to provide high-level training of a new generation of high achieving Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) in a common platform of advanced mass spectrometric tools for food quality, safety and security. In the rapidly developing field of food science, researchers require a multidisciplinary, intersectoral grounding in these tools to extract all the potential from traditional and newly available methodologies and techniques. Although already available, a translational gap exists between research capability and industrial uptake that needs to be bridged to ensure efficient use. FoodTraNet is designed to bridge this gap by creating a multidisciplinary training and research network that will give ESRs the ability to transfer their knowledge from basic sciences to industrial applications.

FoodTraNet will cover techniques including stable isotopes, target, suspect, non-target screening and mass spectrometry imaging to meet the following objectives:

1. To identify biomarkers and bioactive compounds to assure food quality and traceability.
2. To characterise novel foods to support food safety and security.
3. Develop and characterise new products based on the latest advances in nanotechnology, including edible photonic barcodes, nano-sensors, multi-functional polymer nanostructured materials, and new, active and intelligent packaging.

These goals will be achieved through a combination of individual research, non-academic placements, workshops, and complementary transferrable skills training facilitated by the academic-non-academic composition of the consortium. Substantial industrial involvement in the project, with the full participation of Barilla, CONCAST and SMEs from different sectors, will provide ESRs with the skills necessary for thriving careers in a burgeoning field underpinning food research across a range of diverse disciplines.

Each ESR will be provided with an individualised structured and comprehensive research programme, learn theory and gain first-hand laboratory experience. In addition, to studying at his/her hosting institution, the ESR will spend time at a partner university/research centre/company. Being trained in a highly relevant research field will enhance researchers career prospective and employability.

FoodTraNet aims to recruit 15 outstanding and highly motivated ESRs (Table 1) to meet the ambitious goals of the project. Interested applicants can find detailed information on each position (ESR 1 to 15) below or on the FoodTraNew website.

Please carefully read the Call for Applicants guidance document for more information regarding Employment Conditions, ESR Benefits, and Eligibility Rules before you submit your application.

The application, in English, must be done using FoodTraNet application form. To access the application form click on this link. The deadline for application is June 30, 2021 (23:00 CET).

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