PRR Project

Summary

CBQf-ESB is seeking to appoint an Assistant Professor/Assistant Researcher with a strong background in Nutritional Sciences and extensive expertise and vision for pioneering innovations in Food Services and Nutrition. The candidate should have a deep understanding of various aspects of food chains, with a focus on engaging diverse target groups and stakeholders within the food services sector (such as schools, businesses, hospitals, and social economy). Moreover, the candidate should demonstrate a proven track record and a strong motivation to innovate processes in food services quality management and food design while also addressing present challenges and upcoming trends in public healthcare to promote community impact, consumer health and well-being underscoring CBQF research-oriented social responsibility.The candidate will integrate the CBQF Research Centre Food and Nutrition Thematic Line, based within the Nutrition and Health group, but with important bridges to the Food Microbiology and Food Processing and Engineering groups within the same Thematic Line. The Thematic Line is centred on promoting the health and wellbeing of the citizen – focusing on the EU priorities for high standards of safe, nutritious, sustainable and accessible food aligned with the 2030 Agenda goals. As a member of this team, the candidate is expected to develop a focused program of innovative research in a pillar area in Nutritional Sciences (one of the three areas of professional specialisation worldwide) complementing and extending existing knowledge in the groups and closing the gaps between research and important operating stakeholders for the benefit of public healthcare. The candidate will contribute to advancing this strategic area of research focusing on the interaction of food science, nutrition, food services and food industry at ESB/CBQF, deepening and enhancing the group’s knowledge and experience and playing a pivotal role in shaping the food services and food security landscape. With expertise in food services production processes, quality control, health and nutrition the candidate will explore novel sustainable solutions in ingredients, cooking techniques and service models as well as the design of menus that balance taste, nutrition, safety, cost-effectiveness and well-being, promoting healthier eating habits while addressing dietary needs, allergies, and health conditions. Additionally, the candidate will focus on sustainability and environmental impact, exploring innovative eco-friendly sourcing, waste reduction, and energy-efficient designs for food services in different settings. This will help minimize their environmental footprint.The candidate is expected to play a crucial role in securing competitive grants or research funding, forming partnerships with relevant stakeholders for collaborative research projects, creating high-quality scientific papers and presentations for academic and professional audiences, sharing research findings, and guiding and overseeing junior researchers. Previous experience in supervising students, showcasing their ability to mentor and guide emerging talent is welcomed. This position will greatly impact the advancement of the Food Services and Nutrition field at ESB - CBQF.The candidate will make significant contributions to the BSc and MSc programs, particularly in the areas of Food Services Nutrition and Management, as well as Food Innovation, which are essential components of ESB´s academic offerings. Additionally, the candidate will assist in shaping the curriculum and meeting the broader academic, scholarly, and professional needs of ESB by developing and delivering high-quality educational materials and fostering an interactive and enriching learning environment for students. It is essential for the candidate to possess the ability to effectively communicate complex ideas in a clear and engaging manner, motivating students to pursue further studies in these fields.This position contributes to addressing the need for career professors in the nutrition sciences field fully aligned with the research strategies at the institution, playing a key role in advancing our mission to foster excellence in research, education, and public health outreach.