PhD in Agricultural Sciences at Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra (Slovakia)

Key details

• Host institution: Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra
• Location: Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Trieda Andreja Hlinku 2, Nitra, Slovakia
• Application deadline: May 29, 2026

Funding

Not funded by a EU programme

Funding level (from listing): partial or not via EU framework — confirm on the official call.

How to apply

• Apply by email to [email protected] (subject line and attachments per the official instructions).
• Full vacancy text and updates: Euraxess listing.

About the position

PhD Position: Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Underutilized Crops and Their Application in Functional Foods

Edible vegetable species that are relatively underutilized represent a promising source of bioactive compounds with significant antioxidant potential and potential application in functional foods. Minor crops such as Scorzonera hispanica (black salsify), Brassica napus (rapeseed), and Helianthus tuberosus (Jerusalem artichoke) contain polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, and other bioactive compounds that may contribute to reducing the risk of chronic diseases and supporting overall health.

Within the scope of the dissertation, extracts will be prepared using various methods, and the content and antioxidant activity of bioactive compounds will be evaluated depending on cultivar, cultivation site, and storage conditions using AAS, UV-Vis spectrophotometry (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, total polyphenols, flavonoids), and HPLC.

The effects of different technological processes, including thermal treatment and innovative processing methods (e.g., ultrasonic extraction), on the preservation and enhancement of bioactive compound stability will also be assessed. The resulting extracts will be tested in model food systems to evaluate their suitability for functional food products.

More Information about PhD Position

Additional research info: [email protected]

https://fbp.uniag.sk/sk/technologia-potravin-6623/

https://fbp.uniag.sk/sk/phd-stupen/

https://is.uniag.sk/prihlaska/