Research Assistant

Do you have a strong background in Food Science/Food Technology at undergraduate or MSc level? Do you have experience in protein characterisation and plant-based nutrition? Do you want to join an exciting industrial project to characterize the next novel plant-based foods for the future. We are looking for a Research Assistant to join our team working on the project “Building UK capability to deliver innovative alternative proteins” funded by Innovate UK under the Novel low-emission food production systems call. Our consortium, comprising SPG Innovation (Food R&D innovators), Baker Perkins (extrusion and process technology experts), and the University of Leeds (protein and analysis experts), is dedicated to addressing the challenge of utilizing less processed or unprocessed ingredients. This includes whole ingredients, such as lentils and fava beans, as well as by-products from the food industry, like Brewer's spent grains. Our objective is to explore the feasibility of producing Textured Vegetable Proteins (TVPs) using these resources. The raw materials for this project will be sourced from UK-based farmers, ingredient suppliers, and food or drink manufacturers who provide by-products. This project will explore the boundaries of current low emission processes for texturizing proteins and the feasibility of alternative technologies to produce alternative proteins in support the UK's capability to supply and advance the alternative protein market. The research will be conducted in partnership with SPG and Baker Perkins. Our approach will involve pushing the boundaries of extrusion technology, investigating pre-conditioning methods, and exploring alternative technologies, such as high-intensity mixing. We will conduct thorough assessments of the nutritional quality of the products, both pre- and post-processing, to gain a comprehensive understanding of their properties. Should our feasibility studies prove successful, we anticipate that our products will offer sustainable, circular, resilient, and healthy local food sources, making them suitable for broader societal adoption. As a Research Assistant supporting the project, you will be liaising with industrial partners. You will carry out analysis of research samples using a range of chemical and in vitro techniques. You will be involved in the preparation and analyses of extruded samples. You will also be actively maintaining communications relevant to the research activities, organising servicing, maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs) and risk assessments for the project, keeping accurate records of all activities and periodic reports for the project team with the supervision from researchers on the project. You will have experience of working within a research or academic administrative environment, alongside BSc or MSc in a relevant subject. You will also have good organisational and communication skills, and the ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team.  To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:  Dr Alan Javier Hernández Alvarez Email: a.j.hernandezalvarez@leeds.ac.uk