PhD fellowship University of Copenhagen – Food Science
Department of Food Science invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in Gentle and Sustainable Processing –removal of undesirable compounds from plant based proteins. The project is part of the research project SeedFood, which is financed by NovoNordisk Foundation.
PhD fellowship in Gentle and Sustainable Processing –removal of undesirable compounds
Start date is 1st of January 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The project
A research opportunity as PhD student is now available in the ‘SEEDFOOD: Functional and palatable plant seed storage proteins for sustainable foods’ project funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The primary partners in the project are University of Copenhagen (UCPH), Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and University of Le Mans in France (ULM) and positions are available at all partners. The project coordinator is Professor Marianne Nissen Lund, Department of Food Science, UCPH.
- SEEDFOOD will serve as multi-disciplinary centre in which you as young scientist will benefit from training and joint supervision by principal investigators and we expect some mobility between labs. You will be part of a dynamic research environment based on knowledge sharing, high scientific ambitions and leverage of cross-disciplinary synergy. We will focus on active career development of junior researchers, and develop coaching/mentoring activities across the centre.
- The vision of SEEDFOOD is to accelerate the transition from animal- to plant-based food proteins for sustainable food production and consumption. We will achieve this by tailoring plant protein ingredients with superior functional, palatable, and nutritional properties through novel protein design and in-depth understanding of molecular interactions in the food matrix.
- They will use rapeseed protein to obtain new insights that provide the scientific foundation to promote the use of seed storage proteins for foods. Rapeseed is a protein-rich crop used for industrial oil production, it is farmed on a large scale in Europe and may be utilized in new food types locally across the globe. In SEEDFOOD we will create knowledge to transform poor functionality of plant seed storage proteins to rationally and sustainably tailor protein performance for future food design.
- This specific PhD project focus on investigating and improving the efficiency of membrane filtration process to remove undesirable compounds in protein rich solutions.
Eligbility Criteria
They are looking for candidates within the field(s) of Food Engineering, Food Technology or Food Science.
Our group and research- and what do we offer?
- The main research focus is on understanding the effect of processing on physical, chemical and structural characteristics of foods, and uses this knowledge to develop new processes and products. Processes under study include both traditional and novel technologies. Primary fields of research are: sustainable process technologies and Structure processing. The group is a part of Food Science Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We are located in Copenhagen.
- We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories, a sustainable process lab and a pilot plant.
- Principal supervisor is Professor Lilia Ahrné, Department of Food Science, email: [email protected]., E-mail, Direct Phone: +45 93 56 5507
The PhD programme
Qualifications needed for the regular programme
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. Food Engineering, Food Technology or Food Science. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.
Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.
Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.
The terms of employment and salary are in accordance to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State (AC). The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.
Responsibilities and tasks in both PhD programmes
- Carry through an independent research project under supervision
- Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
- Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
- Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
- Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
- Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project
They are looking for the following qualifications:
- A MSc degree in food engineering, food technology or equivalent
- Previous experience in food/ proteins properties and functionality
- Experience in separation processes and/or membrane filtration
- Good interpersonal skills and interest in working in a team of multiple partners.
- Relevant publications
- Relevant work experience
- Curious mind-set with a strong interest in process development
- Good language and communication skills
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Application and Assessment Procedure
Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.
Please include:
- Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
- Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
- Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
- Publication list (if possible)
- Two reference letters
Application deadline:
The deadline for applications is 30 November 2022, 23:59 GMT +1.
PhD fellowship
