PhD Studentship: Linking Molecular Architecture to the Functionality of Hydrocolloids Using Advanced Characterisation Techniques
Type of Studentship: PhD (4 years)
Funding Source: Fully funded 4-year PhD (BBSRC Food Consortium Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award)
Theme of project: Soft Matter Physics, Food (Bio)Chemistry
Primary Host Institution: University of Leeds, School of Physics and Astronomy
Secondary Institution: University of Leeds, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology
This PhD will improve our molecular understanding of hydrocolloids, the natural food polymers found in many everyday products that influence texture, stability and quality but whose fine molecular structure is not yet fully understood. Working closely with Nestlé Research in Lausanne, the project will use enzymes to selectively modify chemical linkages within hydrocolloids of interest, then characterise the resulting changes in viscoelastic and rheological behaviour, supramolecular structure and non-equilibrium states such as gels. The project will also explore the use of under-utilised waste and fibre-rich side-streams to produce high-value functional ingredients, supporting Nestlé's work on more sustainable food products.
The project offers hands-on experience with a range of advanced soft matter characterisation techniques, including light- and x-ray scattering, bulk- and micro-rheology, fluorescence lifetime microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy, alongside contributing to the development of new measurement methods such as passive particle tracking micro-rheology and differential dynamic microscopy. Based within the School of Physics and Astronomy and the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Leeds, the student will receive training across physics, food science and biochemistry, with a dedicated placement at Nestlé Research in Lausanne providing direct experience of a world-leading food R&D environment and a wider network of industrial contacts.
The Food Consortium IDLA is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, welcoming applications from all backgrounds and fostering an environment where every researcher can thrive.
The studentship is suited to candidates from physics, physical and bio-chemistry, food science or related disciplines, with an interest in soft matter physics, rheology, advanced microscopy or scattering techniques, carbohydrate chemistry, enzymology or analytical chemistry. Given the multidisciplinary nature of the project, candidates are not expected to have experience across all of these areas, and full training and support will be provided; curiosity, problem-solving ability and a willingness to work across disciplines matter most. The student will benefit fully from the collaboration with Nestlé, including a placement at Nestlé Research in Lausanne during the PhD, with flexible arrangements available to support inclusive working and studying throughout, and access to Nestlé's R&D facilities and relevant technologies.
This studentship forms part of the Food Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award (IDLA), a training programme combining research-led innovation with real-world industry application, bringing together 8 leading UK food manufacturers and universities to address challenges facing the UK food and drink sector. Alongside doctoral research, students receive entrepreneurial training from the Haydn Green Institute, bespoke business training from global food industry players, and free access to the IFST platform MyCPD for career development. Participating in IDLA also means joining an interdisciplinary cohort of researchers working on food sector challenges affecting both people and planet.
Supervisory Team:
University of Leeds: Dr Johan Mattsson (Primary Supervisor), Dr Simon Connell, Dr Glyn Hemsworth
Nestlé Research Center Lausanne: Dr Matthias Frommhagen, Dr Sarah Michel
Start date: November 2026
Duration of award: 48 months
Terms and conditions: Fully funded for four years by Food Consortium IDLA and Nestlé (Société des Produits Nestlé SA). The studentship covers UK tuition fees plus an enhanced annual UKRI stipend of £23,303 tax free. International students may apply but must cover the difference between Home and International fees, currently around £28k per year, increasing annually.
Entry requirements
The minimum entry requirement for PhD study is a 2:1 honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant subject, or a good honours degree together with a Masters degree.