Dr I Roberts
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Consumers are increasingly concerned about the naturality and health of food ingredients. This is particularly true of surfactants and emulsifiers, where recent reports suggest that some indigestible synthetic or modified surfactants might pose a risk to human health. Food surfactants and emulsifiers give added functionality to foods, helping to stabilise fats, and also allowing healthier reduced fat foods to be made. Therefore there is a need for alternative ingredients that are derived from more wholesome sources with much lower potential to impact human health.
The project aims to investigate how to create alternative surfactants and emulsifiers using two approaches. Firstly the production of surface active polar lipids by yeast fermentation, and secondly, the enzymatic breakdown of proteins to produce surface active peptides. Both of these approaches would aim to utilise sustainable sources as substrates, such as waste co-products generated by the agri-food industry.
The student would receive a broad range of training in yeast fermentation, food biochemistry, colloid science and protein biochemistry. Nestle is the Industrial partner, and the student would undertake a placement at the Nestle Research Centre to conduct further research relevant to their project.
The position is available for graduates in the fields of food science, chemistry, biochemistry, materials science, or similar with attained or expected degree classification of 2.1 or above (of its equivalent). For further information, the candidates are encouraged to contact Dr Ian Roberts ([Email Address Removed]) or Prof. Peter Wilde ([Email Address Removed]).
This Industrial CASE project has been shortlisted for funding by the Norwich Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP). Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed as part of the studentship competition.
The Norwich Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4 year research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least a UK upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply.
For further information and to apply, please visit our website: http://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/the-programme/industrial-case
Funding Notes
Full Studentships cover a stipend (RCUK rate: £14,553pa – 2017/8), research costs and tuition fees at UK/EU rate, and are available to UK and EU students who meet the UK residency requirements.
Students from EU countries who do not meet the UK residency requirements may be eligible for a fees-only award. Students in receipt of a fees-only award will be eligible for a maintenance stipend awarded by the NRPDTP Bioscience Doctoral Scholarships, which when combined will equal a full studentship. To be eligible students must meet the EU residency requirements. Details on eligibility for funding on the BBSRC website: www.bbsrc.ac.uk/web/FILES/Guidelines/studentship_eligibility.pdf.