Job closed
Ref: RP749-600
Job description / Role
Job Description
Exciting Research Associate position to work on a funded grant project 'Valorisation of extracted phytochemical compounds and oligosaccharides in preparation of functional dairy products and novel spreads' as part of Functional food development and value generation from local agricultural by-product. The ideal candidate is expected to be enthusiastic and innovative minded especially in the area of food and will be working in Department of Food, Nutrition and Health. This position is fully funded from the 2-year funded grant. The project is a UAEU based research activity in collaboration with University in UK and Commercial industry in Australia.
The role involves exploring novel extraction technology from plant by-products for mining phyto-compounds. Such compounds will require identification, purification, quantification and testing to ensure bio-availability and activity in-vitro and in-vivo. Studies will be conducted to evaluate shelf life of the extracted phyto-compounds, enhancement of their shelf life and means to maintain stability of their bio-activity. Such mined phyto-compounds will be designed into dairy products and spreadable products. The developed edible products will be evaluated for fortified phyto-compounds, efficacy of bio-activity and sensorial acceptability. The impact of such inclusion in food products would also be evaluated on their microbiota.
The candidate is expected to work independently in the laboratory and pilot laboratory conditions, have exceptional people skills/ communication skills to work in small team and be a part of the larger group in the faculty. The project would suit a candidate with experience in food science, food chemistry/ biochemistry, microbiology with strong laboratory skills preferably with some experience in food product development.
The position is available immediately and the starting date is April 2020. Please note that the successful candidate must have a first-class Master's degree by thesis or equivalent.
The candidate will have to work independently in a laboratory conditions and is expected to have good manuscript writing skills. If this sounds like you, apply today with a full Curriculum vitae (Resume), with academic transcripts and 2 to 3 reference contact details, two recommendation letters and statements of research skills related to the research project.
Requirements
Minimum Qualification
Applicant must have an earned Master's Degree in Food Science/Nutrition or related discipline.
Preferred Qualification
Master's Degree in Food Science with thesis on relevant topic to the project (preferable). A candidate well experienced in extracting, characterizing and exploring nutraceutical properties of bio-active compounds will be preferred.
Expected Skills/Rank/Experience
Candidate should have prior experience including setting up a laboratory.
About the Company
Founded in 1976 by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, UAEU is a comprehensive, research-intensive university enrolling about 14,000 Emirati and international students. As the UAE’s flagship university, UAEU offers a full range of accredited, high-quality graduate and undergraduate programs through nine Colleges: Business and Economics; Education; Engineering; Food and Agriculture; Humanities and Social Sciences; IT; Law; Medicine and Health Sciences; and Science. With a distinguished international faculty, state-of-the art new campus, and full range of student support services, UAEU offers a living-learning environment that is unmatched in the UAE.
As a research-intensive university of international stature, UAEU works with its partners in industry to provide research solutions to challenges faced by the nation, the region, and the world. The University has established research centers of strategic importance to the country and the region which are advancing knowledge in critical areas ranging from water resources to cancer treatments. UAEU is currently ranked the number one research university in the GCC, number two in the Arab World, and #370 globally.
UAEU’s academic programs have been developed in partnership with employers, so our graduates are in high demand. UAEU alumni hold key positions in industry, commerce, and government throughout the region. Our continuing investments in facilities, services, and staff ensure that UAEU will continue to serve as a model of innovation and excellence.