1 PhD position in Applied Microbiology – Italy

The Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, offers a PhD position (3 years), under the tutor Prof. Lisa Solieri, in the research project “Valorization of dairy products through lactic acid fermentation by genomics and metabolomics approaches”.

The PhD position is under the frame of PhD Course in Sciences, Technologies and Biotechnologies – STEBA- (XXXVI cycle).

DETAILS Job Title: PhD position Status: Full-Time Department: Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia PhD Course: PhD Course in Sciences, Technologies and Biotechnologies – STEBA- (XXXVI cycle), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Location: Food Microbiology Lab., via Kennedy 17/I - 42124 Reggio Emilia, Italy APPLICATION OPENING: 8th June, 2020 APPLICATION DEATHLINE: 7th July, 2020 Contact: segr.postlaurea@unimore.it

APPLICATIONS are exclusively accepted according to rules reported in https://www.unimore.it/didattica/doctorates.html

DESCRIPTION The research project is mainly focused on unravelling the role of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in releasing healthy bioactive molecules (BM) in dairy products. In this research project the successful applicant will exploit the Parmigiano Reggiano (PR) cheese full chain production as a model system to study the impact of LAB on cheese quality, sensory features and bio-functionalities. Under the supervision of tutor and cotutor, the student will develop the body of knowledge required to improve cheese process technologies and to valorize cheese healthy properties. Thermophilic LAB from PR natural whey as well as mesophilic LAB from raw milk and ripened cheeses were screened for the release of antimicrobial and anti-hypertensive BM by metabolomics approaches. Comparative genomics of the best BM-producer candidates will contribute to dissect the genetic signatures of health relevant phenotypes. These LAB candidates will be also exploited to produce innovative functional food from by-products of the cheesemaking production chain.

ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSABILITIES 1. Microbial manipulation, taxonomical barcoding experiments; 2. Genomic and metagenomics experiments and data analysis; 3. Utilization of mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-QO), HPLC and headspace gas chromatography; 4. Presentation of experimental data; preparation of scientific publications or participation in scientific publications; 5. At least 6 months in a foreign Laboratory are mandatory, according to the STEBA PhD Course’s rules.

QUALIFICATIONS 6. Master's degree in scientific field related to food sciences, applied biotechnology, microbial biotechnology; 7. Strong theoretical and demonstrated knowledge on microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, and genetics; 8. Excellent communication skills and team spirit; ability to work creatively and independently towards developing your own research project; 9. Competent language abilities in English both written and spoken.