PhD. Student – Food Science Internship

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a highly dynamic PhD. Student in Food Science.

The Position: The PhD student will support scientists on SweetGAINS project teams related to quality traits, texture and sensory analysis

Key responsibilities:

• Together with CIP scientists and university advisors consult, design and manage appropriate descriptive, discrimination and consumer guidance tests to enhance product knowledge and report findings in context of project objectives;
• Work with CIP breeders, food scientists, partners and collaborators and descriptive panelists to carry out appropriate sensory tests to industry standards;
• Participate in Descriptive Panel Training and Sensory Training as needed;
• Develop and recommend new test methodologies to incorporate where needed to improve product understanding;
• Monitor Panelist performance through designed experiments and appropriate stats analysis;
• Support and enable project leaders to define and progress towards measurable sensory targets;
• Develop new methods to gain product understanding;
• Analyze sensory data and write comprehensive reports for project leaders detailing results and conclusions;
• Communication of results and interpretation to project leader verbally or in writing. Design experiments and apply statistical analysis to monitor panelist performance. Recommend panelist training where needed to ensure accuracy/precision.

Selection Criteria

• Currently enrolled or admitted in a PhD. program in Food Science, Nutrition Science or related field in a recognized university;
• Proven track record and strong applied statistics knowledge and experience;
• Sensory Science, with experience in Sensory Descriptive Profiling;
• Working knowledge of applied statistics;
• Ability to write Excel Macros preferred;
• Experience in analytical chemistry, method development and product development are desirable;
• Experience in successfully managing collaborative relationships at work.
• Fluent in English.

What are the conditions?

This is a student position limited to Mozambique nationals and permanent residents only. The studentship will be for a maximum period of 2 years.