PhD Position: Aerogels from Plant Residues as Active Absorbent Pads for Food Packaging (DC11) in University of Udine – Department of Agriculture, Food, Environmental and Animal Science – Udine, Italy

Summary

The University of Udine offers a full‑time, temporary PhD position within the FAroGels MSCA Doctoral Network, a Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions programme. The project focuses on developing food‑grade, bio‑based aerogels from plant residues to serve as active absorbent pads for food packaging. Candidates must hold a master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field, possess strong laboratory and analytical skills, and demonstrate excellent English proficiency. The role includes conducting doctoral research, participating in international secondments, network meetings, and training activities, with a monthly living allowance of €3,821.53 plus mobility and possible family allowances. Applications close on 9 December 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Agriculture, Food, Environmental and Animal Science
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Agricultural sciences
Research Area	Aerogels from plant residues as active absorbent pads for food packaging
Degree Required	Master's degree (or equivalent)
Salary	Living allowance EUR 3,821.53 per month; Mobility allowance EUR 710 per month; Family allowance EUR 660 per month if applicable
Funding	FAroGels MSCA Doctoral Network (Horizon Europe MSCA)
Contract Duration	Temporary (full-time, 36 hours per week)
Language	English
Deadline	2026-12-09
Employer Address	University of Udine, Via delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy
Employer Contact	[email protected]

About the Project

The project aims to create sustainable, biodegradable aerogels from plant residues that can be used as active absorbent pads in food packaging, enhancing food safety and extending shelf life while supporting circular bio‑economy principles.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out doctoral research on aerogels from plant residues as active absorbent pads for food packaging
• Work in an international and interdisciplinary environment with planned secondments, network meetings and training activities
• Travel for planned secondments, network meetings and training activities

Required Skills

• Strong laboratory and analytical skills in food chemistry, food structure, food technology, sensory analysis, materials science
• Excellent proficiency in English (written and spoken)
• Strong motivation to pursue doctoral research in an international and interdisciplinary environment
• Ability to work independently while contributing to collaborative research
• Good organization, communication and problem‑solving skills

Who Should Apply

Applicants with a master’s degree (or equivalent) in Food Technology, Food Engineering, Materials Science, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related areas, who are under 40 years old, have strong laboratory and analytical skills, excellent English proficiency, and are motivated to work in an international, interdisciplinary environment.

Benefits

• Funding through FAroGels MSCA Doctoral Network with monthly living allowance of €3,821.53
• Mobility allowance of €710 per month
• Family allowance of €660 per month if applicable
• Opportunity to work in an international, interdisciplinary research network
• Planned secondments, network meetings and training activities

About the Employer

The University of Udine hosts the FAroGels MSCA Doctoral Network, a Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions research programme focused on food‑grade, bio‑based aerogels and their application in sustainable food systems. The position is based in the Department of Agriculture, Food, Environmental and Animal Science in Udine, Italy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is 9 December 2026.

What are the monthly allowances?

Living allowance €3,821.53, mobility allowance €710, and family allowance €660 if applicable.

Is a visa required at the application stage?

No, a visa or residence/work permit is not required at the application stage.