PhD/Postdoc Opportunity in Sustainable Food Biotechnology, Agri-Food Waste Valorisation and Bioprocessing University of Limerick in Ireland

Fully funded PhD opportunity in Sustainable Food Biotechnology at the University of Limerick, Ireland, focused on agri-food waste valorisation and bioprocessing. The project is titled Integrated Co-Fermentation, Insect Bioconversion, and Mild Drying for Valorisation of Agri-Food By-Products into Functional Protein and Fat Ingredients.

The research sits at the intersection of food fermentation, microbial bioprocessing, insect bioconversion, sustainable protein production, and food processing technologies. Key technical themes include LAB–yeast co-fermentation, optimisation of biomass composition and C/N ratios, downstream processing, fractionation, and low-temperature or microwave-radiant vacuum drying. The project aims to convert low-value agri-food by-products into high-quality functional ingredients for food applications.

The successful candidate will be based at the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, and will work with collaborators at University College Cork and International Hellenic University. The post offers interdisciplinary training relevant to academia, research organisations, and the food/biotechnology industries.

Funding: €22,000 per year tax-free stipend for 3 years, with tuition fees covered. Student registration fees are also covered according to University of Limerick doctoral funding structures.

Eligibility highlights: Master’s degree in Biotechnology, Food Science, Microbiology, or a related field; background in fermentation, bioprocessing, or food systems preferred; strong interest in sustainability and circular bioeconomy; motivated and interdisciplinary profile.

Application window: No deadline is stated in the post.