We invite passionate and driven candidates to apply for an exciting, fully funded MSc by Research opportunity in Analytical Food Chemistry, Food Mycology, and Mycotoxins, sponsored by Barilla. This project provides comprehensive training in innovative analytical techniques designed to explore fungal contaminants and their toxins in food, making a tangible impact on food safety and public health. As a successful candidate, you will benefit from full financial support, dedicated academic guidance, and the opportunity to contribute to impactful research that holds significant relevance for the industry. Join us in making a difference!
Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by various fungi that contaminate food crops, posing significant risks to human and animal health. Among these, Alternaria mycotoxins are emerging as contaminants of increasing concern due to their presence in a wide range of commonly consumed foodstuffs, including cereals, fruits, and vegetables. With rising global attention on food safety, climate-resilient agriculture, and regulatory controls, accurate detection and risk assessment of such mycotoxins have become critical components of modern food science, toxicology, and public health disciplines.
This MSc by Research project aims to identify and quantify emerging Alternaria mycotoxins in selected food commodities using advanced analytical techniques, and to assess dietary exposure risks to consumers. The research will involve method development using LC-MS/MS for toxin detection, sample collection, data analysis, and comparison of results against current safety thresholds. The project will also explore potential processing or environmental factors influencing toxin presence, contributing valuable insights to the food safety knowledge base.
Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é is a postgraduate institution renowned for its research impact, strong industry partnerships, and focus on applied science. This project is supported by Barilla, a multinational food company dedicated to enhancing food quality and safety throughout the supply chain. Working within the Magan Centre of Applied Mycology (MCAM) in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences (FEAS), the student will benefit from access to state-of-the-art laboratories, expert supervision, and collaboration with a wider multidisciplinary team of scientists and industrial partners.
The project is expected to generate critical data on the occurrence and levels of Alternaria mycotoxins in relevant food commodities, contributing to a better understanding of exposure risks and supporting the development of future regulatory and food safety policies. Findings may inform industry best practices, influence public health recommendations, and identify research gaps for further toxicological evaluation of lesser-known mycotoxins.
The student will have the opportunity to present their findings at national or international scientific conferences and may engage in training workshops organised by the sponsor or external partners. This project provides a dynamic and applied research environment, ideal for students seeking to pursue careers in food safety, public health, or analytical sciences.
In addition to gaining deep domain knowledge in food toxicology and analytical chemistry, the student will acquire a suite of transferable skills, including project management, scientific communication, data analysis, and critical thinking. Graduates will leave with hands-on experience using cutting-edge instrumentation and exposure to the regulatory and industrial landscape of food safety, positioning them competitively for future roles in academia, government, or the agri-food sector.
At a glance
- Application deadline10 Dec 2025
- Award type(s)MSc by Research
- Start date26 Jan 2026
- Duration of award1 year
- EligibilityUK
- Reference numberCRAN-0017
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline.
This project is ideal for graduates who have a strong interest in food safety, public health, environmental science, or biological sciences. It is particularly suited for those who are curious about how contaminants, such as mycotoxins, affect food systems, health outcomes, and regulatory frameworks.
Applicants may come from a variety of undergraduate backgrounds, including but not limited to: Chemistry or Biochemistry, Food Science and Technology, Biological Sciences, Analytical Sciences, Microbiology, Agriculture or Crop Science, Biomedical or Health Sciences, Toxicology or Pharmacology
The project will particularly suit students with an interest in laboratory research, data interpretation, and real-world applications of science in areas such as food regulation, consumer health, and sustainable food production. While prior lab experience is helpful, full training will be provided, so a strong motivation to learn and a proactive approach are equally important.
If you’re interested in how science can be applied to address global challenges like food safety, chemical exposure, and health risk assessment, and you’re eager to develop practical research skills in a supportive, interdisciplinary environment, this project could be an excellent fit for you.
Funding
Sponsored by Barilla, this studentship will provide a bursary of up to £ 20,780 plus fees* for one year.
To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be classified as a Home fee status student. Eligibility for Home fee status is determined with reference to UK Department for Education rules. As a guiding principle UK or Irish nationals who are ordinarily resident in either the UK or Republic of Ireland pay Home tuition fees. All other students (including those from the Channel Islands and Isle of Man) pay Overseas fees. Further advice can be found on the .
Diversity and Inclusion at Cranfield
We are committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in our CDT program, and warmly encourage applications from students of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups. We particularly welcome students with disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, and those who identify with diverse ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, and socioeconomic statuses. Cranfield strives to provide an accessible and inclusive environment to enable all doctoral candidates to thrive and achieve their full potential.
At Cranfield, we value our diverse staff and student community and maintain a culture where everyone can work and study together harmoniously with dignity and respect. This is reflected in our University values of ambition, impact, respect and community. We welcome students and staff from all backgrounds from over 100 countries and support our staff and students to realise their full potential, from academic achievement to mental and physical wellbeing.
Cranfield Doctoral Network
Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.
How to apply
For further information please contact:
Name: Dr Andrea Patriarca
Email: andrea.patriarca@cranfield.ac.uk
If you are eligible to apply for this studentship, please complete the
Please note that applications will be reviewed as they are received. Therefore, we encourage early submission, as the position may be filled before the stated deadline.
