Daily Times

The University of the West of England is offering a £15,000-per-year grant to study the genetic factors that influence the flavour of Britain’s favourite treat

A university is seeking doctoral candidates to undertake a PhD – in chocolate.

The University of the West of England is offering a £15,000-per-year grant to study the genetic factors that influence the flavour of Britain’s favourite treat.

According to the prospectus, the successful candidate will study how the fermentation of cacao beans leads to specific flavour profiles.

The three-year position has been created in response to demand from the chocolate industry for more forensic knowledge of different cocoa strains.

Candidates have until February 27 to apply to the university’s Faculty of Health & Applied Sciences in Bristol.

It comes as Mondelez International, the geniuses behind some of the world’s most famous sugary treats – including Cadbury, Milka, Prince and Oreo – announced a brand new opportunity to join their team as a part-time chocolate taster.

The firm, which posted the role on LinkedIn, is looking for someone who can taste its delicacies – and deliver honest and objective feedback within its team of skilled panellists.

The successful candidate will then help Mondelez perfect and launch brand new products all over the world for years to come. Chocolate is a typically sweet, usually brown food preparation of Theobroma cacao seeds, roasted and ground, and often flavoured with vanilla.