Postdoctoral Research Associate in Extruded Meat Analogue Production

This role is full-time, fixed-term for 18 months.
Closing date: 23:59 on 6th March 2026
Interview date: TBC

By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) with expertise in food extrusion processing to work on a project entitled ‘Multi-functional pigmented yeast biomass as ingredient for plant-based extruded meat analogue products’ funded by the Good Food Institute. The post is fixed-term (18 months, full-time), and the PDRA will be working within the Food Research Group within the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences.

The aim of the project is to produce red-pigmented yeast biomass through pilot scale microbial fermentation, which will be blended with plant-based proteins to develop high moisture extruded meat analogue products. The project will be supported by state-of-the art facilities at the University of Reading, which include the Food Processing Centre that houses a range of equipment (e.g. 20L bioreactor, thermal processing, extrusion, mixing, drying), the Sensory Science Centre and the Flavour Centre.

This project is a unique opportunity for an enthusiastic scientist to work in an innovative and multidisciplinary environment spanning food formulation, food processing and industrial biotechnology, and advance the current state-of-the-art in the production of plant-based meat analogue products.

You will have:

• A PhD in a relevant area (food processing and formulation).
• Hands on skills in extrusion processing and food quality assessment (e.g. texture, flavour).
• Understanding of plant-based meat formulation and ingredient functionality.
• Strong communication and writing skills.

Contact Name: Dimitris Charalampopoulos
Contact Job Title: Professor of Food Biotechnology
Contact Email Address: d.charalampopoulos@reading.ac.uk

Alternative Contact Name: Afroditi Chatzifragkou
Alternative Contact Job Title: Professor of Sustainable Bioprocessing
Alternative Contact Email Address: a.chatzifragkou@reading.ac.uk

We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

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