PhD student position: Flavour optimization of micro- and macroalgae

Publiceringsdatum: 2025-05-26

Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB söker just nu efter en doktorand och du kan vara den de letar efter. Intresserade sökes för heltid-jobb hos Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB - är du intresserad? De letar efter någon som vill jobba 6 månader eller längre. Göteborg är platsen där denna position är ledig.

Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB behöver fler anställda som stödjer arbetet inom doktorand. Kolla in deras lediga tjänst för att se om du har vad som krävs. Bli en del av Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB genom att ansöka till jobbet som doktorand senast söndag den tjugonionde juni 2025.

Jobbannons

Are you curious about harnessing the unique flavour properties of micro- and macroalgae? In this project at Chalmers University of Technology, challenges and possibilities with algae as food ingredients will be explored, maximizing the acceptance of algae-containing foods on the European market.

The division of Food and Nutrition Science (FNS) is one of four research divisions at the Department of Life Sciences (LIFE) at Chalmers. FNS addresses major societal challenges related to sustainable food production, nutrition and health. We conduct fundamental and applied research, innovation, education and dissemination in Food and Nutrition Science with the aim to provide new knowledge and solutions that pave the way for a sustainable planet and healthy humans. Research topics span from food chemistry and food technology to molecular and data- driven nutrition (Precision Nutrition).

In Food Science, we focus primarily on marine and plant-based food systems for which we develop tools and processes to promote high food quality, minimize losses throughout the value chain and allow nutrient recovery from alternative biomasses.

In nutrition, we focus on human observational and intervention studies as well as cell- based model studies and apply advanced data-driven approaches and state of the art biochemical and OMICs technologies to understand and predict the role of foods, dietary components and dietary patterns in human health. The research is also related to global food security topics in an international context.

About the research project 

Both microalgae and macroalgae (i.e. seaweed) have emerged as highly promising food sources based on their low climate impact production, their water purifying properties and their unique nutrient profiles. However, a widespread adoption of algal biomass in food is not yet fully in place on the European markets.

The EU-project AlgFlavor addresses knowledge gaps and challenges hindering an increased integration of algae into European diets. It will specifically harness the broad diversity of flavor profiles among different marine micro- and macroalgae, which ultimately depend on cultivation and post harvest processing.

As a PhD-student, you will be part of research to tailor the flavor profile of algae, as well as to explore its translation into algae-containing food products with diverse flavour requirements. Among crucual parts are to control key reactions generating volatile compounds in algae, as well to unravel their dependance on different food matrices.

Results of the project will boost diversification of our food system, stimulating algae as a sustainable food commodity of high acceptance and ultimately enhance food security. The work will be carried out in close collaboration between academic and industrial partners paving the way for fast implementation of project results.

We seek candidates with the following qualifications:

• To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree in Biotechnology, Chemistry, Bioscience, Food Science, Food technology, Biochemical engineering, Biochemistry, Sustainable production & utilization of marine bioresources, or similar. Equivalent requirements apply to individuals with an education earned outside of Sweden, for example a 4-year bachelor's degree is accepted.
• Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Strong communication and analytical skills

The following experience will strengthen your application:

• Research experience from work with micro- and/or macroalgae, algae processing, algae quality, analytical chemistry/food analysis, volatile compound analysis.

What you will do

• Take courses at an advanced level within the Graduate school of Bioscience
• Develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing
• The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 per cent of working hours

Contract terms and what we offer

• The PhD position is fully funded from start
• As a PhD student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
• The position is limited to four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position to five years.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025).

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Discover more

Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here. 

Application procedure

To apply, please click here to go to chalmers' vacancy page.

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered.

Application deadline:  June 29th, 2025

For questions about the research project, please contact:

Prof Ingrid Undeland, Email: undeland@chalmers.se, Tel: +46317723820

Or, Division Head, Prof Rikard Landberg, Email: rikard.landberg@chalmers.se Tel: +4672 350 93 86

We look forward to your application!

• ** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***