Netherlands: PhD Healthy Reformulation of Foods

Deadline: 1st October 2012

Job description

an enthusiastic and result driven PhD student for a project on “Bakery products with reduced fat and sugar content”. The project is embedded in a larger European project on healthy reformulation of foods. The PhD project addresses technological and sensory issues related to reduction of fat and sugar in bakery products. The PhD project combines different technological approaches for fat and sugar reduction. There is a need for developments in formulation and manufacturing practice before those technologies can become an applicable ingredient in the development of healthier bakery products. The stability and functionality of bakery products during processing, heating, baking and storage will be determined. The textural properties of the dough and the baked product will be determined (rheological and tribological properties) and the sensory properties quantified. In addition, the PhD student will investigate the flavour release and perception during food product consumption taking into account the composition and physiological parameters using state of the art in vivo techniques such as artificial mouth and nosespace-PTRMS. Further, candidates are enthusiastic about working in a multidisciplinary environment. Advanced knowledge of English in reading and writing is required.

Requirements

For this position we request a Master’s degree in Food Technology, Human Nutrition, Physical Chemistry, Food Chemistry or a similar degree. Experience and/or demonstrated interest in the following areas is desired:
• food structure design
• bakery products and reformulation
• physical-chemical characterization of foods
• sensory science

Conditions of employment

an initial contract for a period of 18 months, extended with another 30 months upon favourable evaluation. Gross salary will increase from € 2042 per month in the first year up to € 2612 per month in the last year based on a full-time appointment (38 hours a week).

Additional information
For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Markus Stieger, markus.stieger@wur.nl, telephone number +31 317 481694.

Interested?
You can apply online at www.werkenbij.wur.nl/UK