Post by Gerardo Puopolo

🍏 PhD Position – Decoding Fruit Quality: Genetics and Function in Apple Fruit quality is often judged by appearance and taste. But its underlying biology is far more complex. This PhD project focuses on understanding how genetic factors shape key quality traits in apple, including texture, storability, and antioxidant activity, with the aim of improving breeding strategies. 🔬 What you will work on: • characterisation of fruit texture and storage performance • analysis of antioxidant properties beyond simple concentration-based metrics • identification of genetic loci (QTLs) controlling quality traits 🧪 Methods include: • texture profiling and storage experiments • GWAS and SNP marker analysis • electrochemistry, calorimetry and spectrometry 👥 Supervisors: Fabrizio Costa, Walter Guerra https://lnkd.in/gQEGqdhK & Matteo Scampicchio https://lnkd.in/g3Wz4_NV 🎯 We are looking for candidates with: • background in plant science, genetics, food science, or related fields • interest in fruit quality, plant breeding and functional traits • experience in laboratory analysis, data analysis, or genomics 🌍 Why this project: Work at the interface of genetics, plant physiology and food science to better understand and improve fruit quality, with direct implications for breeding and consumer value. 📍 Research at UniTrento C3A and Laimburg Research Centre 💰 €21,750/year (~€1,650/month) ⏳ 3-year fully funded PhD 🗓️ Deadline: May 28th, 2026 If you are interested in linking genetics to real-world food quality, this is a project worth exploring. 👉 Full call in the comments #PhDPosition #PlantBreeding #Genetics #Apple #FoodQuality #Agriculture #AcademicJobs #EuropeResearch