Aerogels from Plant Residues as Active Absorbent Pads for Food Packaging

Department Agriculture, Food, Environmental and Animal Science

Organisation/Company University of Udine Department Department Agriculture, Food, Environmental and Animal Science Research Field Agricultural sciences » Agricultural products Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 9 Dec 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Rome) Country Italy Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 36 Offer Starting Date 1 Mar 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Reference Number DC11 Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number 101312450 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description
This position forms part of the FAroGels research program on food-grade, bio-based, and biodegradable aerogels and their application in sustainable food systems. The selected candidate will be employed by the University of Udine.

Research Field Agricultural sciences » Agricultural products Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Educational Background: Master's degree (or equivalent) in [Food Technology, Food Engineering, Materials Science, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related areas].

Skills: Strong laboratory and analytical skills in [food chemistry, food structure, food technology, sensory analysis, materials science].

Languages: Proficiency in English (written and spoken) is required.

Strong motivation to pursue doctoral research in an international and interdisciplinary environment.

Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to collaborative research activities.

Good organization, communication and problem-solving skills.

Willingness to travel for planned secondments, network meetings and training activities. Commitment to responsible research conduct, inclusion, collegiality and professional development.

Specific Requirements

Be under 40 years at the date of application deadline (December 9th 2026)

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Research Field Agricultural sciences » Agricultural products

Additional Information
This position is funded by the FAroGels MSCA Doctoral Network (HORIZON-MSCA-2025-DN-01-01, Grant Agreement No. 101312450). The salary is based on the following monthly MSCA allowances:

Living allowance: EUR 3,821.53.

Mobility allowance: EUR 710, contributing to mobility-related costs such as relocation and travel.

Family allowance (if applicable): EUR 660, paid for the months in which the Doctoral Candidate has a family during the project, including where family obligations arise after recruitment. 'Family' means persons linked to the researcher by marriage (or a relationship with equivalent status recognised by the legislation of the country where it was formalised) or dependent children actually being maintained by the researcher. The allowance is paid in accordance with the rules of the recruiting organisation, and supporting documents may be requested.

Eligibility criteria

Educational Background: Master's degree (or equivalent) in [Food Technology, Food Engineering, Materials Science, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related areas].

Skills: Strong laboratory and analytical skills in [food chemistry, food structure, food technology, sensory analysis, materials science].

Languages: Proficiency in English (written and spoken) is required.

Selection process

Interviews: January 2027

Evaluation: February 2027

Selection outcome: February 2027

Expected start of employment: March 2027 (earliest)

Additional comments

Mobility rule: Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Italy for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention or EU temporary protection are not taken into account. Compliance is verified before the start of employment, on the basis of the candidate's passport and, where necessary, other documents.

Visa and residence permit: a visa or residence/work permit is not required at the application stage and is not a selection criterion. Where needed, it will be arranged after selection and before the start of employment, with the support of the recruiting organisation. Candidates from non-EU countries are equally welcome to apply.