PhD Position in Novel Food Processing Technologies at University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign in United States

The Agricultural & Biological Engineering department at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign is seeking a motivated PhD student to join a research program focused on next-generation food processing technologies. The research emphasizes energy-efficient drying, advanced food material manufacturing, quality assessment, and computational modeling. The selected candidate will design and build experimental systems for food and agricultural processing, conduct drying and thermal processing experiments, develop and validate computational models (including CFD, heat/mass transfer, and multiphysics), and perform analytical characterization of food materials. Collaboration across engineering and food science disciplines and publication of scholarly work are expected.

Preferred expertise includes experience with sensors, instrumentation, data acquisition, LabVIEW/MATLAB, control systems, CAD design, experimental fabrication, CFD and multiphysics modeling (using tools such as COMSOL, ANSYS, or OpenFOAM), and analytical chemistry techniques such as spectroscopy and moisture/particle characterization. Required qualifications are a Master’s degree in Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, or a related field, along with strong analytical and communication skills. Preferred qualifications include a background in food processing, drying, or thermal systems, programming skills (MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW), and hands-on experience with instrumentation or fabrication.

To apply, candidates should submit a CV, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for 2–3 references to Dr. Amir Malvandi at [email protected]. The position offers flexible start dates in Spring or Fall 2026. For more information, applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisor directly.