Natural antioxidants to maintain flavor

Rapid retort processing to create ambient stable foods using flavour preservation with novel natural antioxidants

Degree type

Masters by research

Closing date

1 June 2024

Campus

Launceston

Citizenship requirement

Domestic / International

Scholarship

$32, 192pa for 2 years

About the research project

A 2-years Masters project will measure the impacts of natural antioxidant strategies for producing shelf-stable ready meals that retain flavour and nutrition. Thermally processed foods that do not need refrigeration increase food security and supply resilience by not needing to be shipped and stored in a cold chain. However, oxidative processes impact the sensory appeal and the nutritional quality.  This project will use foods formulated with antioxidant extracts and processed in a food research overpressure autoclave to address the mechanistic causes of this degradation. The research will use advanced analytical tools, such as headspace GC-MS-Olfactometry, electronic tongue, and texture analysis to relate processing and formulation variables to objective measures of food quality that can be correlated with consumer sensory assessments.

The project is part of a broader research program on shelf stable foods that includes packaging technology optimisation and commercial applications in association with industry.  The selected Masters Candidate will have the opportunity to work in a highly motivated interdisciplinary team and interact/collaborate with other universities, such as the University of Queensland.   Graduates, upon completion, will possess the necessary skills to pursue a career in advanced food innovation and product development, with a focus on premium foods,  flavours and quality.

Primary Supervisor

Meet Prof Roger Stanley

Funding

The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:

  • a living allowance stipend funded by the Regional Research Collaboration Program of $32,192 per annum (2024 rate, indexed annually) for 2 years
  • a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
  • a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

  • Applications are open to Domestic and  International applicants.
  • Applicants must be able to commence studies by 30th June 2024.
  • Applicants must have a relevant University Degree in Food Sciences and Technology , Food Chemistry, Food Engineering or related fields.
  • Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus.

Selection Criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded.  Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Applicants must have an academic record or equivalent experience that includes studies in statistical methods, food chemistry and food process technology.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Evidence of effective teamwork and interpersonal interactions
  • Experience in working in food processing industry.

Application process

  1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
  2. Contact Prof Roger Stanley to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. In your application:
    • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
    • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
  4. Apply prior to 1 June 2024.

Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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