PhD Cotutelle in Food Science, Biocatalysis, and Bioactive Peptides at Université Laval and Université de Lille Université Laval in Canada

PhD cotutelle opportunity in Food Science, biocatalysis, bioactive peptides, and food technologies at Université Laval (Canada) and Université de Lille (France).

The project is titled “Synergistic approach of pulsed electric fields and immobilized biocatalysts to obtain peptides with biological activities from agro-food proteins.” It focuses on the enzymatic valorization of plant-based food proteins, using pulsed electric fields as a pretreatment to improve enzymatic hydrolysis by immobilized enzymes, with comparison to thermal pretreatment.

Research environments include the Laboratory of Food Sustainability (EcoFoodLab), the Food Science Department at Université Laval, INAF, and the UMR BIOECOAGRO INRAE 1158 / Institut Charles Viollette at Université de Lille. Students may benefit from access to food processing facilities, analytical chemistry platforms, REALCAT screening tools, LC-MS/MS analyses, and bioactivities platforms.

Eligibility highlights: Master’s degree in Food Science or a related field; interest or experience in catalysis and/or pulsed electric field technologies; strong motivation, autonomy, and interdisciplinary teamwork; good communication skills in English and French; practical skills in biocatalysis and food chemistry are required, while food processes, electrochemistry, food analysis, and biological activity analysis are appreciated.

Funding: Financial aid is available through program-specific awards and scholarships, including milestone-based awards totaling $10,000, international student scholarships of $30,000, mobility grants of $1,500 to $3,000, and other graduate scholarships. A tuition fee exemption scholarship may reduce international tuition to Canadian student rates.

Deadline: June 30, 2026. Start date: Fall 2026.

How to apply: Prepare the required documents and submit via the application link. Contact the supervisor for further information if needed.