Marie Sklodowska-Curie Early-Stage Researcher

This PhD position on Physical Properties of Cellulose Suspensions for Food Applications is part of a European-wide Doctoral Network on Edible Soft Matter funded by the European Union under the framework of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme. The international interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral network gathers together leading experts in basic and applied soft matter and food sciences to train a new generation of young researchers, regulators, consultants, and project leaders by providing them with unique expertise in the design, production, and quality assessment of innovative plant-based food products.

Your skills and attributes for success:

• MSc or equivalent in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Engineering, or Materials Science with a solid training in experimental techniques and data analysis, with desirable knowledge of material characterisation, rheology, and imaging.
• Scientific interest, dedication to research, and career goal to work in physical science research.
• Appreciation for interdisciplinarity and proactive drive to collaborate across fields.
• Proficiency in English, good communication skills, and social competence.

Application Information: To be eligible for this post you cannot have lived in the UK for more than 12 months in the previous 36 months. Please ensure you include the following documents in your application: CV, Cover letter. In addition to the University of Edinburgh website, applicants must also apply via the ESM website.

As a valued member of our team you can expect:

• Weekly supervisory meetings with local team and industrial supervisor.
• Placement opportunities with the industrial partner (Fiberlean in Cornwall) and academic partner (CNRS in Montpellier, France).
• Attendance at international meetings and workshops.
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging, and rewarding place to work.

To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community championing equality, diversity, and inclusion. The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions actively promoting LGBT equality. The School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Edinburgh is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating discrimination. The School strives to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace for all and we are looking to actively diversify our staff. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and in particular encourage applications from people of colour, women, people with disabilities, LGBTQ people, and other minority and underrepresented groups. We aim to ensure that our culture and systems support flexible and family-friendly working as evidenced by our Juno Champion and Athena SWAN Silver awards.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages. The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.

Key dates to note: The closing date for applications is 30 May 2025. Unless stated otherwise, the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK, the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browser's local time zone. Interviews will be held on 30 June 2025.

Key Skills: Intelligence Community Experience, Python, SPSS, Microsoft Word, R, Regression Analysis, Windows, Stata, Microsoft PowerPoint, Research Experience, Data Modelling, Writing Skills.