Looking for MSCA PF candidates for the topic: Novel and Alternative Nutrient Sources for Future Food and Feed Security | Nord University Business School | Nord University | Norway

Description: The research group is interested in investigating the potential of macroalgae and insects as alternative nutritional resources for future animal production or bioactive food ingredients for human consumption. The project aims to focus on one of the following novel nutrient sources:

Macroalgae: Macroalgae are novel nutrient sources for production animals or human consumption due to their nutritional values and the contents of various bioactive compounds, including polyphenols and polysaccharides. The potential candidate will have an opportunity to address specific research questions regarding specific processing techniques, metabolomics, and genomics of macroalgae. In addition, the candidate will conduct in vivo feeding trials exploring metabolomic phenotyping, gut microbiome, and transcriptomics in animal models. The candidate will also contribute to developing efficient macroalgae biorefineries to extract macroalgae-based nutrients and specific bioactive compounds. Interested candidates are encouraged to check the latest publications from the research group: Pandey, et al., 2023, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.132456;

Pandey, et al., 2021, http://dx.doi.org/10.19103/AS.2021.0091, etc.

Insects: Insects have been characterized as an attractive source of nutrients with impressive amino acid and fatty acid profiles. Various feeding substrates differentially impact the growth and nutrient contents of insects. The potential candidate will have an opportunity to answer specific research questions regarding the role of different feeding substrates on the growth and development and nutritional values of insects and their suitability as a nutrient source for animal feeding or human consumption. Interested candidates are encouraged to check the latest publications from the research group: Khanal, et al., 2023, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.136104;

Adhikari, et al., 2021, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-85223-4.00007-5.

Research Field: Macroalgae, Mealworms, Metabolic phenotyping, Microbiome, Transcriptomics, Black Soldier Fly

Keywords: Seaweeds, Insects, Sustainability

Supervisor:Prabhat Kanal (prabhat.khanal@nord.no)

Research division:Animal Science, Production, and Welfare

Faculty:Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture

About Supervisor: Associate Professor Khanal has more than ten years of experience in animal nutrition research and is currently leading several projects within sustainable and alternative nutrition, including two MSCA post-doc projects. Currently, his research focuses on the following themes: a) Nutritional physiology, b) Use of animal models, c) Alternative nutritional strategies, d) metabolic phenotyping, gut microbiome, and transcriptomics, and e) Livestock and environment. He has supervision experiences at all levels and has been involved in developing courses and curriculums within sustainable nutrition and circular bioeconomy. He also has experience in developing and leading capacity-building projects within research and education in collaboration with North and Global South partners.

Research Infrastructure and facilities: The group have laboratory facilities for experiments, and have access to animal facilities to conduct feeding trials

in animals. The research group has a close collaboration with various industry and academic partners within Norway or abroad.

Eligibility: MSCA European Postdoctoral Fellowships (PF) are awarded for a duration of 12-24 months to researchers of any nationality who,

• are in possession of a doctoral degree in Human Nutrition, Animal Nutrition, Analytical Chemistry, Bioinformatics, or similar areas.
• have a maximum of 8 years full-time equivalent (FTE) experience in research,
• comply with the MSCA mobility rule, i.e. have not resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Norway for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately prior the call deadline and
• have identified a supervisor at Nord University who is willing to host and supervise them.

Benefits of funding: If awarded, the PF grant covers the salary, a mobility allowance, family allowance (if eligible), and other allowances (if eligible) for the research fellow. The grant will also cover the research costs and overheads for Nord University.

Applying for MSCA-PF - Submission Guidelines: If you are interested in applying for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA-PF), please email the following documents to umair.n.mughal@nord.no and prabhat.khanal@nord.no before April 30, 2024:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Your CV should include complete contact details, a comprehensive list of publications, projects, and other relevant academic endeavors. It should highlight your academic achievements and research expertise, with a particular focus on areas relevant to the project.

2. Motivation Letter: This letter should detail your research and career interests and objectives. It should outline your project idea, demonstrating alignment with our research themes, and explain how your expertise will contribute to the project. Additionally, describe your motivation for applying to this call and your interest in joining our team.