Position Title: Postdoctoral Fellow in the Faculty of Applied Sciences at CPUT, Functional Foods Research Unit
Project Focus: South African mussel production is experiencing a steady increase Mussels are relatively easy to cultivate due to their rapid growth, high reproductive capacity and strong adaptability. The Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) is a rich source of high-quality protein, lipids and micronutrients, playing an important role in food and nutrition security. However, mussel quality is determined by safety, functional components and nutrient content, which can all fluctuate due to environmental factors such as salinity, reproductive state, water pH, water temperature and food availability. These factors are seasonally dependent and variations will impact nutrient levels, underlining the importance of understanding optimal harvest time to maximise the nutritional value. Monitoring these changes will support the development of marine aquaculture strategies to enhance mussel growth, improve product quality and ensure food safety.
Mussels are filter feeders and can act as bioindicators of environmental pollution and in particular persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as dioxins. Despite this, limited information is available on the dioxin content of South African mussels. Mussels are a food source and economic resource for coastal communities and compromises in the food safety aspects of mussels could have significant implications for food safety and security. Dioxins are toxic pollutants and excessive intake is linked to reproductive, developmental and immune system disorders in humans. Understanding their presence in aquaculture systems is necessary for effective risk assessment and the development of strategies to mitigate contamination.
The postdoctoral fellow will play a key role in nutritional profiling and dioxin analysis in the mussels and contribute to ongoing research e.g., analytical method development within the Functional Foods Research Unit (FFRU). The incumbent will also be responsible for publishing the findings in peer-reviewed journals, present at conferences and mentoring of postgraduate students.
Responsibilities:
• A minimum of two (2) DHET-accredited research output units for the institution per annum
• Perform analytical work related to the research projects of the FFRU.
• Data organisation, cleaning, and standardisation.
• Initiate and seek funding for projects.
• Assist with postgraduate supervision.
• Assisting with undergraduate lecturing based on the incumbent’s expertise.
• Coordinating various aspects of research projects at the FFRU.
• Perform any other tasks as may be instructed by the supervisors.
Requirements:
• A recently completed PhD in a relevant field within the past 5 years e.g., analytical chemistry, nutritional biochemistry, food science, food chemistry, biotechnology and biochemistry
• A strong analytical background with proven experience in gas chromatography mass spectrometry and HPLC is non-negotiable.
• Experience with fatty acid, carotenoid, vitamin and lipid oxidation analysis is highly recommended.
• Experience in data sorting, cleaning, statistical analysis and the use of statistical software packages.
• Digital and technological competencies.
• Fluency in English with excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Adhere to all the Cape Peninsula University of Technology ’s policies, rules and procedures for postdoctoral research fellows and codes of conduct and rules governing research and intellectual property.
Application Process:
• Interested candidates should submit a motivation letter, CV, a summary of research interests, and contact information for three references to: oppermanm@cput.ac.za
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
• Copy of ID/Passport
• Certified copy of highest qualification
• A valid South African Quality Assurance (SAQA) certificate for the qualification not obtained in South Africa.
• In the case where a candidate has graduated and is yet to obtain his/her certificate an attestation letter from the Office of the Registrar will be in order.
Deadline: Open until position is filled
Start Date: As soon as possible
Location: Functional Foods Research Unit, Bellville Campus
Duration: Between 12 and 24 months
Renumeration: R250 000 per annum tax free
Further Information: For more information about the project and the position, please contact us at oppermanm@cput.ac.za.