PhD Position on Nature-inspired Functional Food Colloids

Are you experienced in colloids / interface chemistry and passionate about food science? The Biocolloids group of Prof. Salentinig at the Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg (CH) is looking for a highly motivated PhD student. The goal of this Swiss National Science Foundation funded project is to discover how equilibrium and non-equilibrium structures form during digestion, and how they influence the bioavailability of lipophilic bioactives.

In this project, you will analyze colloidal structures and transformations in food materials using in situ scattering and imaging approaches combined with computational simulations and biological evaluation studies to establish pathways for the design of new food materials. We offer world class infrastructure and expertise within this interdisciplinary project. The PhD positions provide the opportunity for close collaborations with other groups (i.e. at the Adolphe Merkle Institute and the National Center of Competence in Research “Bio-inspired Materials” at the University of Fribourg; ETH Zürich; etc.).

Your Mission and Responsibilities
• The in situ analysis of colloidal structures during the digestion of food materials and linking them with biological properties.
• Adaption of highly contemporary experimental approaches and simulations for the study of these materials (i.e. small angle scattering techniques, spectroscopy and microscopy methods, biological assays).
• The development of computational methods to describe structural correlations and transport phenomena.
• Design of materials with desired biological properties that mimic natural systems through synthesis and self-assembly approaches.
• Communicate results at meetings, conferences and publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Minimum Qualifications
• A Master’s degree in physical- and colloid chemistry or materials science.
• Experience in nanoanalytics (i.e. using scattering- or imaging techniques).
• Strong interest in biophysical techniques and biological assays.
• Fluency in English (written and oral) is a must, German or French is a benefit.

Other Skills
• Outcome driven personality that takes risks and enjoys working on societal challenges.
• Creative attitude, flexibility and team player.
• Passion for science and independent problem-solving skills.

The position is available as soon as a suitable candidate is found. Please send your application documents to Prof. Stefan Salentinig, e-mail: [Email Address Removed]. Your application portfolio should include a cover letter clearly outlining your motivation for this role and relevant experience, CV with publication list, contact details of at least 2 reference contacts, diploma copies.