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Doctoral Candidate DC11 (MSCA FAroGels): Aerogels from plant residues as active absorbent pads for food packaging
The University of Udine is hiring a doctoral candidate to turn plant residues from food processing into biodegradable aerogel pads for active food packaging. The pads absorb exudates and volatiles and release natural antioxidants or antimicrobials to extend shelf life.
- Country
- IT
- Experience
- Experience not specified
- Salary / stipend
- MSCA allowances per month (total employment cost before deductions): living EUR 3,821.53 +
- Apply by
- 09 Dec 2026
- Job type
- Full-time
- Work mode
- On-site
- Function
- Research
- Openings
- 1
- Age limit
- Under 40 years on the application deadline (9 December 2026)
Contact for this vacancy
This notice lists 1 email and 0 phone numbers to apply or ask about the role.
Sign up free to see contact detailsWho can apply
Master's degree in food technology, food engineering, materials science, biotechnology or chemical engineering
Review the original notice to confirm the requirements. Related degrees are not automatically equivalent; the recruiting organisation decides eligibility.
What you’ll do
- Convert under-used food-processing plant residues into aerogel particles or monoliths by solvent exchange and supercritical CO2 drying
- Functionalise aerogels and packaging (for example by coating) to absorb food exudates and unwanted volatiles
- Load natural antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds and control their release into food or headspace
- Characterise materials by SEM, BET, DSC, mechanical tests, wettability and colour/odour stability
- Test effects on packaged-food shelf life
- Take part in FAroGels network meetings, training schools and planned secondments at partner organisations
- Prepare reports, deliverables, presentations and publications
What the employer asks for
- Master's degree (or equivalent) in food technology, food engineering, materials science, biotechnology, pharmaceutical chemistry, chemical engineering or a related area
- Strong lab and analytical skills in food chemistry, food structure, food technology, sensory analysis or materials science
- Under 40 years of age on the application deadline (stated on the EURAXESS notice)
- Must not already hold a doctoral degree (MSCA Doctoral Network rule)
- Mobility rule: must not have lived or worked mainly in Italy for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment
- Fluent written and spoken English
- Willing to travel for secondments, network meetings and training schools
- Able to work independently and in an international team
Selection process
- Eligibility check and pre-selection of applications
- Interviews (planned January 2027)
- Final evaluation and outcome (February 2027)
Documents to keep ready
- Detailed CV with countries of residence, study and work for the last 36 months
- Motivation letter
- Bachelor's and Master's diplomas and transcripts (or proof the Master's will be finished before recruitment)
- Contact details of two referees and reference letters
- Proof of English proficiency if required
- MSCA eligibility declaration and passport or ID copy
Pay, benefits and perks
- Full-time 36-month employment contract with social-security coverage
- MSCA living, mobility and (if applicable) family allowances
- Personal Career Development Plan
- Structured doctoral training and transferable-skills courses
- Planned secondments at academic and industry partners
- Visa support after selection for non-EU candidates
About the employer
FAroGels is a Horizon Europe Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (grant 101312450) developing food-grade, bio-based aerogels for sustainable food systems. The University of Udine's Department of Agriculture, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences (DI4A) runs food science and technology research in north-east Italy.
How to apply
Apply by email to farogels@metu.edu.tr.
Applications close 9 December 2026, 23:59 CET
Skills for this role
What employers ask for in Research (JRF / SRF / PhD / Postdoc) roles. named in this notice
- Active packaging
- Supercritical CO2 drying
- SEM
- BET
- DSC
- Shelf-life testing
- Junior Research Fellow
- JRF
- Senior Research Fellow
- SRF
- PhD
- Postdoctoral
- Research Associate
- Food Technology research
- GATE XL
- ICAR NET
Prepare for the interview
Questions commonly asked for Research (JRF / SRF / PhD / Postdoc) roles. Practise answers with an example and a number.
- Summarise your dissertation or main research project in two minutes for a non-specialist panel.
- Why this group or lab, and how does your experience fit the project described in the call?
- How did you design your experiments and choose the statistical analysis?
- Which analytical techniques have you used hands-on, and what were their limitations?
- What would be the first three months of work on this project if you were selected?
- Tell us about a result that did not work and what you did next.
Before you apply
- Read the original notice end to endDates, eligibility and the application route are decided by the employer, not by FSD.
- Tailor your resume to this vacancyMatch the keywords in the requirements. Resume Studio shows what is missing.
- Prepare a short research statementOne page on your project experience and why this group or call fits.
- Line up refereesMost calls ask for two or three referees; tell them in advance.
- Check the funding termsFellowship amount, duration, HRA and eligibility (NET / GATE) differ between calls.
Source & editorial check
Apply via the FAroGels online form at farogels.eu/apply. Network contact: farogels@metu.edu.tr. Fixed-term 36-month full-time employment contract; expected start March 2027 at the earliest. Applicants of any nationality may apply.
Original posting: 2026-10-14
Checked 2026-11-05 · Updated 2026-11-05
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