PhD scholarship investigating enzyme reactions at high pressure

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February 3, 2010

Job Description : We are looking for a PhD student to investigate the effect of high hydrostatic pressures on enzymatic extraction of plant material from agricultural waste streams and selected hydrolytic reactions of carbohydrates in order to reduce consumption of water and energy. The purpose of the project is to optimize the process conditions of pressure and temperature and establish fast analytical methods for quantification of released carbohydrates and oligosaccharides. The PhD project is part of the EU funded programme Marie Curie Initial Training networks, LeanGreenFood and is a joint PhD between Dept. of Food Science, University of Copenhagen and Chemistry Laboratory, Agricultural University of Athens.

The job

The specific objectives of the present PhD study are to establish methods for extraction and modification of plant carbohydrates by using high hydrostatic pressure in combination with specific enzymes and analyse the liberated products by a range of new microfluidic analytical technologies. The study will develop methods for the quantification and differentiation of soluble carbohydrates formed during enzymatic release of pectin polymers or modification of plant starches of various origins based on sequential- and flow-injection fluidic principles and detection by various spectroscopic techniques. The project will focus on high pressure effects on the enzymatic treatment of plant materials to identify the pressure and temperature regions for which the rate of enzyme catalysis is increased without loss of enzymatic activity due to pressure denaturation. The specific task of study is to pressure tune the enzymatic modification of the plant carbohydrates in model systems continuing to a realistic matrix containing interfering substances from the plant material. This comprises quantification of pectic substances, amylose and amylopectin as well as degradation products from the pressure-induced enzymatic treatment of the carbohydrates.

Qualifications

The candidate should have a master degree in food chemistry, analytical chemistry, chemistry or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a master degree with a proven interest and background in analytical research dealing with complex food or other matrices.

The candidate should have a strong motivation to work in a multidisciplinary field, have good interpersonal skill and proficiency in written and spoken English with good communication skills. You are ready to take up the challenge working in research groups both in Athens and Copenhagen and develop scientific methods for the mutual benefit of both universities.

Due to the EU-requirements, the candidate cannot have the Greek nationality. Furthermore, candidates that have been in the Greece for more than 12 months during the last 3 years cannot be appointed for this PhD position.

Approval and Enrolment

The scholarship will be administrated by Agricultural University of Athens and the candidate is obliged to have a personal insurance in Greece. The scholarships for the PhD degree are subjects to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the degree programs of AUA and in the PhD program at the research school FOOD at University of Life Sciences, Copenhagen.

Salary and appointment terms

We offer a full-time position for a period of one year with possibility of extension to three years. The salary, in line with the EU regulations concerning the Marie Curie Initial Training Networks is € 2590/month.

Further information

For further information please contact Associate Professor Karsten Olsen, ko@life.ku.dk, phone: +45 35333201 +45 35333201, or Professor Constantinos A. Georgiou, cag@aua.gr, phone: +30 2105294248 +30 2105294248

Place of work

The bilateral work will be carried out in the Chemistry Laboratory at the AUA, Greece, and in the Food Chemistry Group at Dept. of Food Science, UC, Denmark. The formal employment will be at Chemistry Laboratory at the AUA and the principal supervisor will be Karsten Olsen in the Food Chemistry Group, UC, Denmark.

AUA is the leading Greek AgriculturalUniversity, training undergraduate and graduate students in Greece in various aspects of agriculture. The Staff of the Chemistry Laboratory has experience on development of analytical technologies and the study of natural products . The Laboratory is fully equipped to carry out research in these fields.

Dept. of Food Science at UC performs research and offers university education programs within food science and technology. The research is primary related to food quality and safety, and the traditional disciplines within food science are combined with new research areas such as nanotechnology, chemometrics and biotechnology.

Both universities have a widespread network of national and international collaborators that provide a multinational-multidisciplinary research and training environment.

How to Apply

To apply please send: 1) a letter of motivation describing (i) why you are interested in this position and (ii) what you can offer to the project , 2) a CV including list of publications, if available, 3) The marks (or level of degree, with details) obtained in the B.Sc. and/or M.Sc. degree. The average marks of the B.Sc. and M.Sc. need to be supplied in percentage or in ETCS points 4) references. The application should contain all 4 elements listed above.

Please specify where you noticed the announcement. Please attach your application including diploma and other relevant documents no later than 28 February 2010 to cag@aua.gr

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
Job Homepage : http://www.aua.gr/index.php?item=213
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Contact address : For further information please contact Associate Professor Karsten Olsen, ko@life.ku.dk, phone: +45 35333201 +45 35333201, or Professor Constantinos A. Georgiou, cag@aua.gr, phone: +30 2105294248 +30 2105294248

Keywords : Enzyme Food Analysis LeanGreenFood

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