Post doctoral position in aroma analysis and microbiology, Switzerland

Post doctoral position in aroma analysis and microbiology


Organisation
The Agroscope Liebefeld-Posieux Research Station ALP operates at two locations: Liebe-feld and Posieux. Its area of research ranges from animal feed to foods of animal origin (meat, meat processing, milk, dairy products and apiculture products). ALP also carries out controlling, implementation and consultancy tasks.

Tasks
A postdoctoral position is available, starting in October 2008, in the Laboratories of Aroma and Taste and of Biochemistry at Agroscope Liebefeld-Posieux Research Station ALP.

The mission of the project is to investigate on the microbial generation of aroma compounds in collaboration with an industrial partner. Selected food-grade bacterial strains will be screened for their generation of interesting aroma compounds in appropriate media using instrumental analysis such as an MS-based electronic nose and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The analytical part will be accompanied by organoleptic assess-ments. The volatile aroma compounds generated by selected strains will be further charac-terised by GC/MS in combination with olfactometry using suitable extraction methods.

Profile
Candidates should hold a PhD degree in Life Sciences (analytical or food chemistry, biologi-cal sciences) and sound experience in aroma analysis or volatile compound analysis. Know-how in GC/MS techniques is a prerequisite and interest in microbiology would be an advan-tage.

As an interdisciplinary scientist and a team member you will build a bridge between re-search groups in the fields of aroma analysis and microbiology. You should have excellent communication skills in English also and team spirit. Knowledge of German or French would be an asset.

We offer you a challenging and interesting job, excellent working conditions and good social benefits. The post is limited to 1.5 years. Job sharing is a possibility.

Address for applications (inc. place of work and deadline)

If you are interested in this position, please send us your application until August 30, 2008 to Human Resources, Agroscope Liebefeld-Posieux, Tioleyre 4, Postfach 64, 1725 Posieux, Switzerland.
You may also submit your application electronically to sabrina.plumettaz@alp.admin.ch

Place of work: Liebefeld (Berne)

Additional information
For further information please contact Dr. Hedwig Schlichtherle-Cerny (phone: +41 31 323 8167; e-mail: hedwig.schlichtherle-cerny@alp.admin.ch)

Forschungsanstalt Agroscope Liebefeld-Posieux ALP, Human Resources, Tioleyre 4, Postfach 64, 1725 Posieux.