Researcher in Food Safety and Hygiene

Do you have strong ambition to shape the future of the food industry? Are you well-versed in microbiology and food safety?
Do you want to be part of developing the safe and sustainable foods of tomorrow?
Then you might be the person we’re looking for!

The Microbiology and Hygiene unit is now looking for an independent and proactive researcher to lead and develop our research and collaborations within food microbiology.

About Us
The Microbiology and Hygiene unit is part of the Food Research and Innovation department at RISE. We work with research and innovation in microbiology, process hygiene, and biotechnology, with a primary focus on food and the food industry. Our work is mainly applied research, development, and problem-solving in assignments aimed at supporting companies and partners. We take an interdisciplinary approach to create holistic solutions, and we benefit from a wide range of competencies within RISE that strengthen our offering — including product design, process technology, aroma, texture, sensory analysis, nutrition, and sustainability assessments.

About the Role
As a researcher, you will initiate, develop, and lead your own projects in applied research, in close collaboration with colleagues and external partners. You will take on a project management role that includes budgeting and administration, as well as planning and leading the practical project work. You will also contribute your expertise and experience to other projects, and to some extent lead commercial assignments for clients.

A key part of the role is to contribute to the growth of our research activities by actively applying for funding to secure project financing. You are expected to build a project portfolio within your area of expertise, with the opportunity to shape project development in a direction that aligns with your skills and interests — within the strategic framework of the organization and with a focus on meeting societal and market needs.

The role also includes responsibility for delivering scientific and technical results in accordance with budget and timeline. You will establish and maintain networks within the food industry, academia, and public funding bodies, and help increase visibility of our work through publications and participation in relevant activities.

The position is based in Gothenburg, with some flexibility for hybrid work.

Who are you
To succeed in this role, you have a genuine interest in applied research and food. You are driven by challenges and solutions and understand what creates value for customers and partners. You are proactive and willing to take the lead in driving your research area forward — even when it means stepping into unfamiliar territory. You are skilled at building relationships and have the ability to identify needs, package offerings, and create meaningful collaborations.

The work requires independence, but it is equally important that you have an interdisciplinary mindset and enjoy working together with colleagues and external partners from both academia and industry.

Requirements for the Role:

· PhD in a relevant field, with expertise in microbiology focused on food safety or process hygiene

· Several years of professional experience in the food industry, public authority, or equivalent after completing your PhD

· Documented experience in securing project funding through applications and grants from public financiers

· Experience in project management within research, development, or innovation projects involving multiple stakeholders from industry and academia

· Excellent command of English, both spoken and written

A well-established network within the Swedish food industry is highly meritorious, as is knowledge of industrial processes and risk analysis, as well as molecular methods for detection and quantification. Our corporate language is Swedish, and we offer training if needed.

Are we right for each other?
RISE offers an inclusive workplace with a dynamic environment that gives you opportunities for development both professionally and personally. You will work in a team of committed colleagues to tackle exciting societal challenges.

Welcome with you application!
If you are interested and want to know more you are welcome to contact unit manager Jenny Veide Vilg, +46 10 516 60 14. Sista ansökningsdag är den  2025. Urval och intervjuer. The application deadline is September 28th. Please note that selection and interviews may take place continuously during and after the application period.

Please attach or link to your list of publications in your application.

Our union representatives are Ingemar Petermann, SACO, +46 10 228 41 22 and Linda Ikatti, Unionen, +46 10 516 51 61