Doctoral Researcher in Food Materials Science (Aerogels for Oral Lubrication) - University of Helsinki, FAroGels MSCA Doctoral Network

The University of Helsinki’s Department of Food and Nutrition (Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry) invites applications for a doctoral researcher position (DC#14) inside FAroGels, a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe. FAroGels develops food-grade, bio-based and biodegradable aerogels for sustainable food systems, with partners across food science, materials science, biotechnology, process engineering and packaging.

The Helsinki project studies how dietary-fibre aerogels and cryogels can be designed as functional, moisture-responsive materials for food, including the modulation of texture and mouthfeel (aerogels for oral lubrication). The researcher connects fibre-network organisation and pore structure to swelling, mechanical response and oral behaviour, using methods such as SEM, AFM, confocal microscopy, synchrotron X-ray microtomography, SAXS, dynamic vapour sorption and oral tribology, with planned secondments at partner organisations including in the UK and Germany.

Terms: full-time fixed-term employment for a maximum of 36 months, starting 1 March 2027 or as soon as possible after. The package is based on MSCA allowances: a living allowance of EUR 4,010 per month (adjusted by Finland’s country correction coefficient), a mobility allowance of EUR 710 per month, and a family allowance of EUR 660 per month where applicable; the amounts are total employment cost before employer and employee contributions and taxes.

Who can apply: applicants of any nationality holding a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in food technology, materials science, chemistry, biomaterials or polymer science, with strong laboratory and analytical skills and English proficiency. MSCA rules apply: you must not already hold a doctoral degree, and you must not have lived or worked in Finland for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment.

How to apply: submit one PDF (CV, motivation letter, degree copies and transcripts, two referees, and short written answers to the four set questions in the vacancy text) through the University of Helsinki recruitment system by 9 December 2026, 23:59 EET, and also complete the FAroGels application form at farogels.eu/apply. Interviews are expected in January 2027.