MicroSunSet Pre-Doctoral Fellow (DC2)

Newcastle University is a great place to work with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 24 April 2026

About the MSCA project

MICROSUNSET is a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN) funded by the European Union. We are excited to announce 12 open positions for Doctoral Candidates (DCs). We aim to create a network of early-stage researchers equipped with the knowledge and skills - including entrepreneurship needed to develop and support implementation strategies that addresses the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in Europe as diets shift toward more plant-based foods. For MICROSUNSET we will recruit 12 highly talented DCs where their collective research will focus on many different aspects to include investigations on bio-accessibility and bioavailability of micronutrients and strategies to produce and process plant-based foods with enhanced concentration of micronutrients. Development of analytical methods digestion models dietary modelling and conducting consumer surveys will form part of Doctoral Networks tasks.

The 12 PhD vacancies will be based across seven different universities in Europe: four in Denmark (three at the Technical University of Denmark and one at the University of Copenhagen) two in Germany (Technical University of Munich) one in the Netherlands (Wageningen University) one in Ireland (University College Cork) two in the United Kingdom (University of Newcastle upon Tyne) and two in Finland (University of Helsinki).

To train theDCs as the next generation of micronutrient researchersinourinternational and interdisciplinaryprogram MICROSUNSETbrings together experts from several disciplines as supervisors forming a consortium of seven beneficiaries (see above) andfourteenassociated partners includingsixfrom industry andtwostart-ups. For more information please have a look at be eligible for a MICROSUNSET PhD-position you must not have lived studied or worked in the host country for more than 12 months in the last 36 months and must not already hold a doctoral degree.

About the PhD-position (DC2)

Are you interested in becoming part of MICROSUNSET and building a strong foundation for a successful research career

The Population Health Science Institute at Newcastle University is seeking highly motivated applicants for a PhD scholarship focused on determining of the bio-accessibility and bioconversion of provitamin A carotenoids from plant-based foods. You will join the multidisciplinary Human Nutrition and Exercise Research Centre with research spanning many different fields of nutritional and exercise sciences. If youre ready to push the boundaries in unravelling the key contributors to bio-accessibility and bioconversion of provitamin A carotenoids in plant-based foods we invite you to apply and join the dynamic research teams involved in MICROSUNSET.

Research objective

The primary objective of this PhD project is to elucidate the factors governing the bioaccessibility and bioconversion of βcryptoxanthin and βcarotene from a diverse range of plantbased food sources and to integrate these findings into future dietary intake assessments. This research will begin with the optimisation of an established in vitro digestion model to evaluate carotenoid bioaccessibility followed by validation of key findings through a rigorously designed human intervention study. Advanced analytical mass spectrometry techniques coupled with the use of stable isotope tracers will be employed to quantify both the release of provitamin A carotenoids from food matrices and their subsequent metabolic conversion.

A central component of the project will involve examining interindividual variation in bioaccessibility and bioconversion comparing plant-based sources with oil-based β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin supplements. This comparative approach will help to clarify how food matrix formulation and physiological variation contribute to differences in provitamin A utilisation among individuals.

In addition to laboratory and human study components the candidate will gain hands-on experience with evidence synthesis methodologies including systematic reviews and will analyse large-scale cohort datasets to examine patterns of carotenoid intake and status at the population level. This multi-layered approach will provide unique training across experimental analytical and population level research domains.

Ultimately this project is expected to generate significant new insights into the bioaccessibility and bioconversion of provitamin A carotenoids from commonly consumed plant foods. Furthermore it will provide robust evidence regarding the reliability and translational value of in vitro models for predicting carotenoid bioaccessibility across diverse food matrices. The findings will have important implications for nutrition science dietary recommendations and food industry practices relating to the promotion of provitamin A rich foods.

Throughout the project you will collaborate with other Doctoral Candidates (DCs) in the MICROSUNSET consortium to contribute to generation of evidence-based knowledge about micronutrient intake digestibility and bioavailability from plant-based diets.

Part of the PhD-study will take place as external stay at Döhler GmbH Darmstadt Germany for three months and at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) for two months.

Responsibilities

The primary goal of this PhD project is to investigate options for increasing vitamin A from plant-based foods in our food to support a healthier future European population.

As part of your research you will

• Enrol in Newcastle Universitys doctoral school and comply with its doctoral training requirements
• Participate actively in the MICROSUNSET training dissemination communication and exploitation activities.
• Publish and present high-quality research results related to the research project in international conference proceedings and peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Work actively to prepare and defend a doctoral thesis in the field of micronutrients and sustainable food products.
• Support student supervision and contribute to teaching at BSc and Masters levels.

Qualifications

You must hold a two-year masters degree (120 ECTS points) in Nutrition/Biology or a similar degree at the equivalent academic level.

Furthermore the ideal candidate has:

• Completed a relevant masters program
• Appropriate technical skills
• Experience with analytical equipment such as HPLC and LC-MS
• Experience conducting intervention studies with human participants
• Strong communication skills in English both written and oral

• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams.
• A structured and analytical approach to work and problem-solving
• Willingness to attend all MICROSUNSET training events and own secondments

Experience with research dissemination - publications or conference presentations - is preferred.

Approval and Enrolment

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval and the candidate will be enrolled in the faculty of Medical Sciences Graduate School. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme please see the Faculty of Medical Sciences postgraduate research page.

Assessment

The assessment of the candidates will be conducted by an assessment committee which follows the MICROSUNSET recruitment set-up and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (2005/251/EC) promoting an inclusive merit-based transparent and unbiased recruitment process. After an eligibility check the assessment will be based on the qualification requirements listed above as well as the grades from Masters/BSc education. A two-step procedure for applicants selection will be undertaken involving evaluation of the application and at least one interview.

About us

Newcastle University Population Health Science Institute is a large multi-disciplinary research institute within the Faculty of Medical Science and comprises a vibrant multidisciplinary academic community working collaboratively alongside colleagues and partners from the wider health care industry and voluntary sectors as well as the public. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

• The selected candidate will be employed full-time by Newcastle University within the MSCA-DN MICROSUNSET for a period of 36 months
• For information about Newcastle Universitys enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD programme please see Newcastle Universitys Medical Faculty rules for the PhD education.
• Read more about working at the Human Nutrition and Exercise Research Centre here.

Salary and appointment terms

The start date is 1st September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Salary pension and terms of employment are in accordance with the requirements from the European Commission related to the MSCA programme and the agreement between the UK Department for Science Innovation and Technology and UKs national funding agency Research and Innovation (UKRI).

The EU MSCA grant received by Newcastle consists of a monthly gross salary 6392 EUR (approx. 5550). Please notice that the monthly salary you will receive will be lower than the above amounts as these shall cover all costs related to your employment such as monthly salary future salary raises pension paid holidays compulsory taxes and labour market contributions. Depending on seniority the monthly gross salary (before taxes) starts at approximately 4300 EUR (approx. 3730) plus pension.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Professor Georg Lietz tel.:.

You can read more about the Human Nutrition and Exercise Research Centre at HNERC.

If you are applying from abroad you may find useful information on working in the UK and Newcastle University at Newcastle University international students.

Application procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 24th April 2026 (23:59 UK time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply please open the link Apply now fill out the online application form and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae incl. education experience language skills and other skills relevant for the position
• Grade transcripts and BSc/Masters diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

Furthermore it is important that you document in your CV that you fulfil the eligibility requirements mentioned above. If possible also include a reference or recommendations letter.

Note: A Masters degree (or equivalent) is not necessary at the time of application but will be required at the date of recruitment.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age gender disability race religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As Newcastle University works with research in critical technology which is subject to special rules for security and export control open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR INSTITUTE

Population Health Sciences Institute

Newcastle University Population Health Sciences Institute is one of three Research Institutes in the Faculty of Medical Sciences. It comprises a vibrant multidisciplinary academic community with researchers from a diverse range of disciplines and specialisms. We work alongside colleagues and partners from the wider health care industry and voluntary sectors as well as the public. Our aim is to improve health and care and reduce health inequalities.

Our research seeks to:

• understand promote and maintain health and wellbeing throughout the life-course
• identify tackle and prevent the structural and behavioural causes of ill-health and reduce inequalities
• design implement and evaluate novel innovations to optimize the delivery and organisation of health care

Human Nutrition and Exercise Research Centre (HNERC)
The Centre was established in 1994 as a multidisciplinary cross-faculty research centre. HNERC at Newcastle University is a premier multidisciplinary research centre focused on understanding the combined impact of diet and physical activity on health wellbeing and disease prevention. It unites experts from biomedical nutritional and sports sciences to tackle major public health challenges providing evidence-based solutions from molecular to population levels.

Funded by the European Unions Horizon Europe Research and Innovation programme MSCA (Grant Agreement number )

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a GoldAthena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality CharterBronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.

Requisition ID: 29262