Technical assistant or Postdoctoral researcher in Food Science
The Department of Food and Nutrition at the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry invites applications for the position of
TECHNICAL ASSISTANT (MSc) OR POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER (PhD) IN FOOD SCIENCE
We are searching for a Technical assistant / Postdoctoral researcher for 1 year starting on 1 December 2024, with a possibility of a two-year extension depending on the availability of additional research funding. The research will be part of a project funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Foodleader 2024-2026). The successful candidate is expected to work full-time.
Research Topic:
Development of validated methods for the analysis of mycotoxin and pesticide residues in food samples from Kenya and Mozambique.
The research is part of the FoodLeader project, which aims to improve the capacity of future experts in Kenya and Mozambique in estimating food safety and nutrition security. Food safety and nutritional quality are crucial elements of food security. In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), almost one-third of the population is considered severely food insecure. Efficient and effective food system–level actions are needed to improve access to nutrient-dense foods while simultaneously ensuring their safety. The FoodLeader project, a collaboration between the University of Helsinki (UH), the University of Nairobi (UoN), and Universidade Lúrio (UniLúrio), aims to enhance the capacity of all three academic institutions in educating future experts who provide strategic leadership to enhance food safety and nutrition security in the context of local food systems.
The project focuses on food safety hazards (chemical hazards, mycotoxins, and pesticides) and dietary quality. As part of the project, a tool to integrate data on food toxins (pesticides and mycotoxins) and dietary intake Dietary and Food Safety Assessment Tool (DASAT) is developed. The data is then used for dietary intake and dietary exposure estimation, which can be used in evidence-based decision-making. The project uses local school feeding programs as a case study to link theoretical knowledge in food safety and nutrition to the practical needs of the local communities in Kenya and Mozambique.
The appointee will develop and validate chromatographic-mass spectrometry methods for analyzing chemical hazards (pesticides and mycotoxins) in food and develop protocols that can be used for teaching and training. Together with researchers at UH and project partners at UoN and UniLúrio, analytical data on the content of mycotoxins and pesticide residues in selected foods will be determined with the validated methods and uploaded to the DASAT tool. The appointee will be involved in developing the DASAT databases and utilizing the data in the assessment of exposure to food safety hazards.
Requirements:
We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled Technical assistant / Postdoctoral researcher who would like to pursue research in the analysis of chemical toxins in food for dietary exposure modeling. The successful candidate will join a dynamic team of researchers at the University of Helsinki with vast experience in food chemistry and nutrition. A background in analytical chemistry is appreciated, and knowledge of analysis of chemical toxins in food (mycotoxins and pesticide residues in particular) will be an advantage.
Education, experience and technical skills:
- Master’s degree (for Technical assistant) / PhD (for Postdoctoral researcher) in Food science, Nutrition, or Analytical Chemistry
- Knowledge of the analysis of chemical toxins and method validation (especially mycotoxins and pesticides residues) in food using chromatographic methods and mass spectrometry.
- Fluency in English and excellent writing skills.
- Knowledge in Portuguese is beneficial but not compulsory.
- The candidate should have proven experience in the field of the position
Personal attributes and competencies:
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, experienced in working within multicultural and multidisciplinary environments.
- High motivation for academic research and for this specific topic
- Initiative and capability of working independently as well as in team environments.
The salary of the postdoctoral researcher is based on level 5 of the requirement level chart for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a personal salary component. The monthly salary in a full-time postdoctoral researcher position is usually about 3 500 – 3 600 euros/month, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience.
The salary of the technical assistant is based on levels 4-6 of the requirement level chart for expert and support personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a personal salary component. The monthly salary in a full-time technical assistant position is usually about 2 500 – 2 600 euros/month, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience.
A six-month trial period will be applied.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications should include:
- A cover letter explaining the applicant’s motivation to apply for the position and a brief overview of the applicant’s experience in mycotoxin analysis, pesticide residue analysis, mass spectrometry, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
- Candidates applying for the postdoctoral researcher’s position should provide 1-2 scientific peer-review publications that demonstrate the candidate’s experience utilization of liquid chromatography or gas chromatography with mass spectrometry in method development and validation.
- Candidates applying for the technical assistant’s position (MSc degree) should submit a brief overview (e.g. Master thesis research) demonstrating the candidate’s experience in utilization of liquid chromatography or gas chromatography with mass spectrometry in method development and validation.
- CV with MSc thesis topic
- Copies of BSc, MSc degree certificates and PhD degree if applicable
- Contact details for one or two references.
Please submit your application as a single PDF file using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System
External applicants, please submit your application using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via Apply Now button.
Applicants who have a helsinki.fi -username and a valid employment contract, a grant researcher’s contract or a visiting researcher’s contract at the University of Helsinki are requested to leave their application by using the employee login.
The deadline for applications is by 30.10.2024 (23.59 EET).
The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants of any gender and age, linguistic or cultural background, or minority group.
FURTHER INFORMATION
- About the position: Associate Professor Ndegwa H. Maina (henry.maina@helsinki.fi).
- Recruitment system: HR Specialist Mirkka Juntunen, mirkka.juntunent@helsinki.fi, tel +358 50 556 0748
- Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-agriculture-and-forestry
- Viikki Campus: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/campuses/viikki-campus
- Support for international staff: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/welcome and https://ihhelsinki.fi (International House Helsinki)
The position offered will be in the Department of Food and Nutrition, which is one of the six departments at the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry. The Department provides research-based education at a higher level in Finland and is responsible for BSc and MSc Programmes in Food Sciences and the MSc Programme in Human Nutrition and Food-Related Behaviour. The Department is also responsible for the teaching of chemistry at the Faculty. Up-to-date laboratory equipment and facilities, including processing plants, are available for research.
The Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry is nationally unique faculty with a high international standing. The mission of the faculty is to promote the sustainable use of renewable natural resources through scientific research and research-based teaching. We focus on agricultural and forest sciences, food and nutrition, microbiology, as well as on economics and management.