Doctoral Candidate: Aerogels from Non-Gelling Biopolymers

id="offer-description" class="ecl-u-type-heading-2 ecl-u-mt-none ecl-u-mb-l">Offer Description The Doctoral Candidate will develop innovative food-grade aerogels from biopolymers that do not naturally form stable gels, including proteins and soluble fibres. The project will establish cryo-structuring as a route to create temporary solid networks without chemical crosslinkers, followed by cryo-solvent exchange and supercritical CO₂ drying. The candidate will systematically investigate how formulation, freezing conditions, solvent exchange and drying parameters determine pore morphology, density, mechanical properties, hydration behaviour and loading capacity. A major task will be the development and optimisation of reproducible processing protocols and the comprehensive characterisation of the resulting aerogels, including porosity, BET surface area, pore-size distribution, swelling and mechanical behaviour. The candidate will also assess compatibility with food matrices. YOUR TASKS . Conduct research on development, characterization and validatation of food-grade, bio-based and biodegradable aerogels for sustainable food systems. Plan, perform, document and analyse experimental work using relevant laboratory, analytical, processing and/or modelling methods. Participate actively in FAroGels network meetings, workshops, training schools, seminars and transferable-skills activities. Undertake planned secondments at FAroGels partner organisations, as specified for the DC project.