PRR Project

Summary

REQUIMTE is seeking an Assistant Researcher in the field of Food Science and Technology with emphasis in food development and innovation.REQUIMTE is looking for a person who will be a potential research leader as well as a scientific leader for food development and innovation, and who has clear research visions and administrative skills. Research at the REQUIMTE vary from organic chemistry, physical-chemistry, chemical engineering, chemical biology, biochemistry, food chemistry, computational chemistry to molecular biophysics.Key tasks include the development of an independent research line that focuses on study and development of innovative, healthy, and sustainable ingredients and products (e.g. from circular economy processes); evaluation of functional claims about new ingredients and innovative products; development of new projects of food innovation (new sources of food proteins and fats, natural preservatives, functional food, etc.). This will involve the applications of different technics and new experimental approach to isolate and characterize the physico-chemical properties and the structure of nutrients and bioactives from agri-food by-products and wastes; characterize the dynamics and molecular-level interactions of food compounds with relevance for food development; characterize the techno-functionalities and organoleptic characteristics of these new ingredients and new products.The selected candidate will work with the Sonae MC team that is interested in the internal implementation of a circular economy in the production processes of its products and that has been collaborating for a long time with the LAQV-REQUIMTE research unit. This latter is responsible for evaluation of the nutritional value and sensorial properties of plant-based diets and alternative protein food matrices analysis, green extraction methodologies for compounds recovery, spectroscopic and structural methods for compounds characterization and functionalization and to investigate the molecular-level interaction models of plant phytochemicalsAn important part of the tasks is to provide training for (PhD)-students and Post Docs. This includes advice on general food analysis, food chemistry and food technology to develop and optimize processes and resolve specific research questions related to the valorization of agri-food waste and its incorporation into new innovative products.Key responsibilities include:The assistant researcher is expected to establish an independent and internationally recognized research profile on development of innovative, healthy, and sustainable ingredients and products; evaluation of functional claims about new ingredients and innovative products;Contribute to implement a policy if circular economy in the production processes of SonaeMC productsdevelopment of new projects of food innovation;Follow developments in these thematic areas and food trends with political decision-makers and consumers, establish a relationship of trust with consumers and general societies, which are important aspects for SonaeMC´s positioning in the distribution sector;Contribute to the supervision of second- and third-cycle students.Scientific Profile: The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and attributes:Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Food engineering or in a related field with a strong focus on Food Chemistry and Nutrition.Research Expertise. It is necessary that the research expertise and the professional skills are relevant to the content of the job description and the tasks included in the employment.Proficiency in advanced phytochemical analysis, green recovery methodologies, structural techniques, structure-activity relationship, phytochemicals functionalization.Proficiency in bio- and techno-functional assessment, and specialized skills in the assessment of physical structures based on microscopy, rheological and textural parameters.Strong publication record in reputable scientific journals and excellent communication and collaboration skills.Rationale: The recruitment of an Assistant Researcher in the field of food science and technology aligns with the SonaeMC and LaAQV-REQUIMTE strategic goals in advancing research in food development and innovation. The emphasis on advanced phytochemical analyses, green recovery methodologies, studies of the structure-activity relationship and technical-functional and rheological assessment is justified to strengthen our research teams to respond to the biggest challenges of the food sector in the field of innovation and circularity. The expertise of the successful candidate will significantly contribute to ongoing research projects focusing on research in these fields and will strengthen our institutional capabilities in these critical areas. The appointed Assistant Researcher will join the SonaeMC and the Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry units.