PhD. Candidate – Active Food Packaging Research

A 3-year graduate research assistantship at PhD. level is available in the Department of Food Science under the supervision of Dr. Loong-Tak Lim. This position supports a collaborative research project funded by Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, involving researchers from the Department of Food Science and other research units at the University of Guelph.

Project Description: Modified atmosphere packaging of fresh produce requires optimal control of the headspace gas composition to extend product shelf-life and ensure safety. This project will focus on investigating novel controlled gas-permeable membrane materials for enhanced modified atmosphere packaging of fresh produce, in conjunction with exploiting precursor technology for controlled release of ethyl formate and other bioactive vapours. Bio-based functionalized electrospun nonwoven and extruded film will be the main technological platform to modulate headspace gas composition.

Qualification: Applicants with a thesis-based MSc. degree in Food, Polymer, or Chemical sciences/engineering are encouraged to apply. Experience with film/nonwoven forming and material characterization techniques (e.g., FTIR, NMR, SEM, HS-GC, DSC, AFM, viscometry, tensiometry) would be an asset. Strong oral and written communication skills are essential for success in this project.

How to apply: Please submit a cover letter, a resume/CV, a sample of your written work (e.g., thesis or publication), a copy of your unofficial transcript, and one-page statement of interest (explain how your past education/experiences have prepared you to be successful in graduate studies; what you hope to achieve as a PhD student) to:

Dr. Loong-Tak Lim
Email: llim@uoguelph.ca
(please cc Dr. Amr Zaitoon; azaitoon@uoguelph.ca)

Selection of the successful candidate is based on a combination of academic excellence, relevant experience and career goals and referees’ evaluations. At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. We invite and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.