Selection of Protein-Rich Seaweeds

The Pontifical Catholic University of Chile and Nestlé seek a motivated candidate for an Internship in Agronomy to conduct transformative research on a seaweed-based project of interdisciplinary nature (i.e., in natural sciences and engineering-related disciplines). The research aims at characterizing several seaweed species across the latitudinal gradient of their distribution range for their nutrient composition (macro- and micronutrients, with emphasis on their protein, carbohydrate, and phenolics content and profile) and flavor compounds profile.

The objective of the research is to select landraces for aquaculture based on the following criteria: (i) Their amino acid composition and concentration, (ii) The polysaccharide composition, (iii) The antioxidant capacity, (iv) The possibility to coextract some of these compounds for food matrices.

The internship will be part of a larger research program with the goal of developing alternative protein and fiber sources from cultivated seaweeds.

Candidates applying for the Internship in Agronomy should be eligible to work in Chile and either currently pursuing or have completed an undergraduate degree in Agronomy, Biology, or related areas. The internship offers a valuable opportunity for aspiring agronomists and researchers to engage in cutting-edge research while collaborating with both the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile and Nestlé.

• Fellowships will include one year of scholarship support for a internship.
• Fellows should start August 7th, 2023.

• Applicants must be eligible to study in Chile.
• Candidates must have completed an academic degree of Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences, Biological Sciences, Engineering Sciences in Natural Resources, Biotechnology or other related careers, awarded by a university recognized by the State of Chile, or in the case of foreign institutions, by the State of the corresponding country.
• Candidates must have completed all the required courses of an MSc program so they should focus 100% on their research.

• Candidates must submit a written application by June 30^th, 2023 by applying in the form below, including:
• 2 letters of recommendation
• CV
• Grades in their BSc course
• Applicants will be notified about final decisions by email by July 7^th.

• Experience in laboratory work, with evidence of a capacity to creatively tackle research goals
• Education – demonstration of aptitude for success in the proposed area of research.
• Candidate’s strengths and working skills expressed in the letters of support.