PhD Opportunity

[Microbiology]

“Novel Nitrate/Nitrite Reduced and Nitrate/Nitrite Free Meats: Safety, Quality and Shelf-life”

Background

Nitrite & nitrate compounds are permitted food additives. They stabilise the red colour, control rancidity, inhibit the growth of spoilage and pathogenic bacteria (including Clostridium botulinum) and are responsible for the distinct 'cured' flavour of processed meats. However, in recent years regulators and consumers have been concerned about potential adverse health effects and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) recently concluded that nitrates and nitrites are probable carcinogens to humans when conditions favour endogenous nitrosation. The current legal limits for nitrates and nitrites in meat products have been set out in Commission Regulation EC 1333/2008. However, it is proposed that the current permitted levels be reduced. Partners within the project will develop novel reduced nitrate/nitrite and nitrate/nitrite free meat products and the recruited PhD student will investigate the microbial stability (food safety and shelf-life) of these products. The student will assess the impact of reduced nitrate/nitrite concentrations or alterative preservative compounds in newly formulated products on a range of relevant pathogens and indicator bacteria.

Requirements

Applicants should have a good primary degree (First or 2.1 Honours) or M.Sc. in an appropriate discipline (eg Vet Medicine, Microbiology, Food Science, Molecular Biology, etc.). The successful candidate should be highly self-motivated and be prepared for laboratory work with modern analytical equipment. A full driving licence is also an advantage but is not essential.

Award

This PhD position within a joint research project between the School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin and Teagasc. The student will be primarily based at UCD and working under the supervision of Prof. Paul Whyte in association with a Teagasc supervisor, Dr Declan Bolton. The project will start in September 2022.

The Scholarship provides a stipend of €24,000 per annum which includes University fees of €6,000. Funding is available for 4 years.

Further Information/Applications

Prof. Paul Whyte, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4  

email: paul.whyte@ucd.ie

Application Procedure

Submit an electronic copy of Curriculum Vitae and a letter of interest to:

Prof. Paul Whyte (paul.whyte@ucd.ie)