University of Reading

PhD Studentship
Studies on the microencapsulation of synbiotic products
Department of Food Biosciences and School of Pharmacy
Starting date: September/October 2009
ProjectThe project will investigate the microencapsulation of synbiotic products, i.e., products consisting of a probiotic microorganism and a prebiotic oligosaccharide, aiming to achieve improved technical characteristics, including increased protection during subsequent processing and passage through the gastrointestinal tract, as well as controlled release properties. The student will develop expertise in the area of microbiology, pharmacy, polymer chemistry, microencapsulation, and develop experimental design and data analysis skills.
StudentshipDue to restrictions on the funding the studentship is restricted to applicants from the UK/EU. The studentship provides fees and stipend (currently £12,940).
Applicants should hold a high-grade qualification in Food Science, Chemistry or Pharmacy or another related subject, with the equivalent of a first or upper second class honours degree.
ApplicationInformal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Dimitris Charalampopoulos (d.charalampopoulos@reading.ac.uk) in the Department of Food Biosciences or Dr Vitaliy Khutoryanskiy (v.khutoryanskiy@reading.ac.uk) at the School of Pharmacy.
Applications should include the University of Reading Postgraduate Application form (http://www.rdg.ac.uk/pg/pages/apply/pg-applicationform.asp), a CV, and a short covering letter, and should be sent to Ms Yvonne Harewood, Department of Food Biosciences. E-mail: y.harewood@reading.ac.uk
DeadlineClosing date for applications is the 28th of February 2009.