Linking Molecular Architecture to the Functionality of Hydrocolloids Using Advanced Characterisation Techniques

This PhD will improve our molecular understanding of hydrocolloids, the natural food polymers found in many everyday products that influence texture, stability and quality but whose fine molecular structure is not yet fully understood. Working closely with Nestlé Research in Lausanne, the project will use enzymes to selectively modify chemical linkages within hydrocolloids of interest, then characterise the resulting changes in viscoelastic and rheological behaviour, supramolecular structure and non-equilibrium states such as gels. The project will also explore the use of under-utilised waste and fibre-rich side-streams to produce high-value functional ingredients, supporting Nestlé's work on more sustainable food products.<br /> <br /> The project offers hands-on experience with a range of advanced soft matter characterisation techniques, including light- and x-ray scattering, bulk- and micro-rheology, fluorescence lifetime microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy, alongside contributing to the development of new measurement methods such as passive particle tracking micro-rheology and differential dynamic microscopy. Based within the School of Physics and Astronomy and the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Leeds, the student will receive training across physics, food science and biochemistry, with a dedicated placement at Nestlé Research in Lausanne providing direct experience of a world-leading food R&D environment and a wider network of industrial contacts.

<p dir="ltr">The <a href="https://www.ifst.org/">Food Consortium IDLA</a> is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, welcoming applications from all backgrounds and fostering an environment where every researcher can thrive.</p> <p dir="ltr">The <a href="https://www.ifst.org/node/18889">studentship</a> is suited to candidates from physics, physical and bio-chemistry, food science or related disciplines, with an interest in soft matter physics, rheology, advanced microscopy or scattering techniques, carbohydrate chemistry, enzymology or analytical chemistry. Given the multidisciplinary nature of the project, candidates are not expected to have experience across all of these areas, and full training and support will be provided; curiosity, problem-solving ability and a willingness to work across disciplines matter most. The student will benefit fully from the collaboration with Nestlé, including a placement at Nestlé Research in Lausanne during the PhD, with flexible arrangements available to support inclusive working and studying throughout, and access to Nestlé's R&D facilities and relevant technologies.</p> <p dir="ltr">This studentship forms part of the Food Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award (IDLA), a training programme combining research-led innovation with real-world industry application, bringing together 8 leading UK food manufacturers and universities to address challenges facing the UK food and drink sector. Alongside doctoral research, students receive entrepreneurial training from the Haydn Green Institute, bespoke business training from global food industry players, and free access to the IFST platform MyCPD for career development. Participating in IDLA also means joining an interdisciplinary cohort of researchers working on food sector challenges affecting both people and planet.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Other conditions</strong></p> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="24" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{523ca1e8-0965-4138-a426-c8a6338b6f29}{36}" paraid="1376737542">Awards must be taken up by 1 February 2026 </p> </li> <li>The awards are available for new Postgraduate Researchers undertaking full-time research study leading to the degree of PhD.  </li> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="24" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{523ca1e8-0965-4138-a426-c8a6338b6f29}{60}" paraid="1884643475">Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this Studentship/ scholarship. </p> </li> </ul>

<p paraeid="{6bcb52df-1e4d-4196-aafa-a7ebf64aefcf}{213}" paraid="494227802"><strong>Selection Process </strong></p> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-listid="25" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{6bcb52df-1e4d-4196-aafa-a7ebf64aefcf}{223}" paraid="930145379">Please see the <a href="https://www.ifst.org/node/18889">IDLA Food Consortium website</a> for further information, how to apply and a link to the application form <a href="https://www.ifst.org/node/18889">https://www.ifst.org/node/18889</a></p> </li> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-listid="25" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{6bcb52df-1e4d-4196-aafa-a7ebf64aefcf}{223}" paraid="930145379">All applications will be considered after the deadline. Only complete applications will be considered. </p> </li> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-listid="25" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{6bcb52df-1e4d-4196-aafa-a7ebf64aefcf}{223}" paraid="930145379">Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview.</p> </li> <li>The successful candidate will then be invited to apply for a research degree place at the University of Leeds. </li> <li>The successful candidate will be expected to meet University of Leeds entry requirements and subject to any other additional admissions checks.</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The studentship is suited to candidates from physics, physical and bio-chemistry, food science or related disciplines, with an interest in soft matter physics, rheology, advanced microscopy or scattering techniques, carbohydrate chemistry, enzymology or analytical chemistry. Given the multidisciplinary nature of the project, candidates are not expected to have experience across all of these areas, and full training and support will be provided; curiosity, problem-solving ability and a willingness to work across disciplines matter most. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the Admissions Team or supervisors prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>Fully funded for four years by Food Consortium IDLA and Nestlé (Société des Produits Nestlé SA). The studentship covers UK tuition fees plus an enhanced annual UKRI stipend of £23,303 tax free. </p>

<p>For further information please contact <a href="mailto:K.J.L.Mattsson@leeds.ac.uk">Dr Johan Mattsson K.J.L.Mattsson@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>