International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory Careers

Junior Research Fellow – Food colloids scientist

Job Reference: Ref.07.24.40

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Location: Braga, Portugal

Group/Unit: Pastrana Research Group

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employment Type: Full time

Contract Duration: 20 months

Open Date for Applications: September 3rd, 2024

Closing Date for Applications: September 23rd, 2024, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)

Key words: #foodcolloids #ediblecoatings #sustainablematerials #materialscharacterisation

Overview

Pastrana RG is dedicated to developing nanotechnology-based solutions for food processing, packaging, and personalisation, with the aim of creating a more sustainable, healthier, and digitally enabled trusted food system.

We are looking for a qualified Junior Research Fellow to join our team in developing and characterising food colloids for coating formulations under the project IDFoods, with the code 2000319.

Job Duties

The job duties will be the following:

• Responsible for planning and performing the required experimental work for the project;
• Write technical reports and scientific publications to communicate the results and outcomes of the research;
• Attend meetings with partners of the project and assist in the project management;
• Work in a cross-functional team and with other research groups.

Mandatory Qualifications

Education

• MSc in Food Chemistry, Food Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry and Physics of Materials, or a related area.

Experience

• Using bio-based and edible materials for the development and design of food colloids;
• Development of coatings and films;
• Food colloid characterisation techniques;
• Development and characterisation of micro and nanomaterials using soft materials;
• Expertise in film and coating characterisation, including barrier testing, mechanical properties, and surface morphology assessment using nano-characterisation techniques;
• Knowledge of standard statistical methods is required.

Technical Skills

• Synthesis of micro and nanomaterials based on soft materials using different methods and technologies;
• Knowledge of physical and chemical characterisation techniques (i.e., DLS, liquid chromatography, AFM, TEM, SEM, XRD, XPS and Raman spectroscopy);
• Data analysis, statistical analysis, and modelling.

Other Skills

• Experience in coating technologies (i.e., atomization, lamination);
• Experience in characterisation of micro and nanopatterned materials;
• Experience in food microbiology.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated outstanding international research track record;
• Excellent project management skills and experience in coordinating collaborative activities between multidisciplinary teams are highly valued;
• Good experience in projects with industry;
• International mobility experience is desirable.

Personal Skills

• “Hands-on” approach together with a high commitment in respecting working deadlines;
• Very organised and dynamic;
• Problem Solving ability;
• Customer orientation;
• Ability to work as team player;
• High degree of autonomy while carrying out research;
• Good communication skills.

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary;
• Tax benefits and other Diplomatic privileges;
• Private health insurance;
• Family allowances (according to family situation);
• Free nursery service at INL premises (subject to availability);
• Support for education fees of dependent children;
• Relocation support;
• 30 working days of annual leave.

How to Apply

The application must be in English and include the following mandatory documents:

a)     Cover letter;

b)     Curriculum Vitae;

c)      Academic and/or Professional diplomas;

d)     Recognition of academic degrees (only academic degrees awarded by non-Portuguese higher education institutions) *

*The selected candidate(s) with an academic degree granted by a non-Portuguese higher education institution must present, for hiring purposes, the certificate of recognition of that degree(s), issued by the Portuguese Directorate General for Higher Education or by a Portuguese Public Higher Education Institution. Please consult the website of the Portuguese Directorate General for Higher Education: https://www.dges.gov.pt/en.

Online application instructions:

1. The application is made online by clicking the “Apply” button below;
2. The candidate must complete all required sections of the online application form;
3. The candidate must submit the mandatory documents mentioned above in pdf format by including them in the “Additional files” section using the “Add portfolio” button.

Important note:

Incomplete applications including the failure to provide mandatory documents or providing inaccurate information will result in the application not being considered.

How the Selection Process works
 

A. Applications eligibility check

This stage will be carried out on the basis of the mandatory requirements, education, experience and technical skills defined for the job, as well as the validation of the mandatory documents. Only candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will move forward to the next stage.

B. CV Assessment

The Selection Committee will evaluate the eligible applications based on their CV and other submitted documents and the suitability for the position. The best ranked candidates will be shortlisted for the interview stage(s).

C. Interview(s)

The interview(s) may be done in different formats: video recording, online or onsite.

The question based interview will evaluate the match between the candidate’s profile and the requirements for the position, including the technical and personal skills. To better support this stage, the candidate may be requested to prepare a short presentation.

D. Nomination

The selected candidate will be nominated and formally offered the position, including the disclosure of the contractual conditions. 

Additional Information

Application feedback

We highly value your interest in becoming part of the INL experience and it is important for us to maintain good communications with all candidates. No matter the outcome of your application, we will always provide you with feedback.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Principle

INL follows a non-discrimination and equal access principle, wherefore no candidate can be privileged, benefited, impaired or deprived of any rights whatsoever, or be exempt of and duties based on any possible discriminatory issues.

The advertisement deadline may be extended at any time without previous notice in order to improve the suitability and effectiveness of the recruitment process.

About INL

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory – INL (http://www.inl.int), is the first and only Intergovernmental Organisation in the world entirely focused on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

It was founded under an international legal framework to perform interdisciplinary research, deploy and communicate nanotechnology for the benefit of society. INL aims to be a recognised leading global nanotechnology innovation hub.