Joint DFG- Project together with the chair of aroma and odor research at FAU

PhD for DFG Project: Wood- do you like this smell?

27.09.2023, Wissenschaftliches Personal

The Holzforschung München of the Technische Universität München with the professorships for "Wood Science", "Wood Technology" and "Fungal Biotechnology in Wood Science" promotes the innovative and sustainable use of wood-based materials and products through research, teaching and development projects. About the project: The objective of the work is to elucidate the influence of wood characteristics and environmental and technological treatment on the chemical composition and properties of wood, here with the focus on the wood odour and VOC emission profiles. To achieve this aim, the overall odour of wood of Cembran pine (Pinus cembra L.) will be evaluated by sensory investigation. Thereby, not only the wood of different varieties and origins but also standard initial types of treatment will be investigated. The elucidation of common wood characterizing parameters, the overall VOC emission profiles together with determination of the main odour-active compounds will generate a deeper understanding of the unique chemistry and smell properties of Cembran pine. The project is funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG).

Requirements
•Above-average university degree (M.Sc. or diploma) in the fields of chemistry, biology, renewable resources, material sciences or other thematically relevant subjects
•In-depth knowledge of wood chemistry, flavor substances, analytical chemistry
•Interest in working independently on scientific issues
•Willingness to work in a team with academic partners
•Good knowledge of German and English, both written and spoken
Tasks
•Processing of the project in cooperation with the Chair of Aroma and Odor Research at the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen (FAU)
•Sample preparation (selection and organization of sample material to ensure accurate origin of data, carrying out drying procedures and ensuring proper storage)
•Characterization of the VOC profile (Thermodesorption-GC/MS) as well as the chemical parameters characterizing the wood species (by means of FTIR, HPLC, GC/MS, Pyrolysis- GC/MS)
•Publication/presentation of results in journals and at scientific meetings.
We offer
•Employment at the earliest possible date, limited for 36 months;
•Payment according to TV-L E13 (65 % position)
•Place of work: TUM School of Life Sciences in Munich-Schwabing, Winzererstr.45
•Possibility of doctoral studies as well as scientific and personal development
•Interdisciplinary networking in German and international wood and aroma research
•Applications from women are explicitly encouraged. Preference will be given to candidates with disabilities who have essentially the same qualifications.

For further information, please contact Dr. Regina Wanschura and Dr. Elisabeth Windeisen-Holzhauser.

Kontakt: wanschura@hfm.tum.de