Postdoc in Innovative Technologies and Plant-based Protein Sources – DTU Food

At DTU Food, we are looking for an ambitious scientist, who has recently finished PhD, for 18 months postdoc position to study non-thermal technologies and their effect on cell structure and mass transfer of plant-based material.
At DTU Food, we are looking for an ambitious scientist, who has recently finished PhD, for 18 months postdoc position to study non-thermal technologies and their effect on cell structure and mass transfer of plant-based material. At DTU Food you will break new ground at the absolute forefront of what is possible within the research field of bioprocessing to improve the quality and functionality of food at the same time reducing water and energy consumption. The research combines food processing, modeling and analytical characterization of macromolecules. You will be surrounded by a group of specialists in the field, with modern equipment on macromolecule characterization, microscopy analysis, rheology and emerging technologies.

Responsibilities and qualifications
DTU Food aims to develop innovative and sustainable solutions in food processing exploring new sources of bio-functional metabolites that can be applied in various food formulations. In the research group for food production engineering, we focus on the processing, food formulation, physicochemical and modelling and optimization of food processes and products.

You will contribute to this by:

• Drive research activities on emerging technologies as innovative and sustainable processing on food matrix.
• Proposing new solutions to reduce food waste and methods of extraction and application of ingredients in food formulations.
• Establishing collaboration between different research groups and enhancing the knowledge in the field.
• Disseminate research findings nationally and internationally, as well as through teaching and supervising tasks.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience:

• When applying for this job, candidates need to hold a PhD degree or have the thesis submitted and accepted by the corresponding university. In the second scenario, a letter from main supervisor should be sent confirming the situation.
• The PhD must be in the area of Food Science and Technology, Food Chemistry, Process Engineering, and Chemical engineering.
• Must have strong competence in emerging technologies such as Pulsed electric field and Ultrasound.
• Experience on mass transfer and general quantification of proteins, fat, minerals, and amino Acids
• Experience working with alternative proteins and food waste and their functionality as new
• ingredients: foaming, emulsifying, and gelling.
• Solid experience in the field of protein characterization, including techniques such as FTIR, electrophoresis, chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and light scattering.
• Lipid extraction and analysis (GC-MS, GC-FID)
• Experience on characterization of food material and formulations using DSC, rheology and microscopy, including florescence microscopy, SEM, and confocal.
• Is able to work independently and take responsibility for progress and quality of Projects
• Experience in application of external research funding is an advantage
• Advanced writing and oral presentation skills in English.

We will in particular consider:

• Research impact and research experience on emerging technologies and alternative proteins applied to food processing
• Research vision and potential of the ideas outlined
• An international profile and network
• Portfolios of previous research, teaching, innovation and scientific advice activities.
• Internal and external collaboration
• Working and communication skills in English

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. You will be working in the Food Production Engineering (FPE) group, which is greatly equipped with high-tech equipment in the field of rheology, emerging technologies and protein characterization. The group counts with professors and researchers from a broad background either in food and health, so you will have the chance to be well instructed and supervised by a good team with nice expertise in the field. Our group is one of the first in Denmark to work with Pulsed Electric Field focused on food waste and side streams.

The research lines cover topics in food, processing design, modelling, nutraceuticals and biochemistry, therefore we have a nice network of collaborators, from DTU and abroad, to develop and expand our research activities. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment with good social activities throughout the year. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 18 months, preferably starting 1 December 2024.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Assistant Professor Lucas Sales Queiroz ([email protected]); Associate Professor Aberham Hailu Feyissa ([email protected]) and Associate Professor Federico Casanova ([email protected]).

You can read more about DTU Food at www.food.dtu.dk.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than Tuesday 29 October 2024 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU National Food Institute
DTU National Food Institute conducts research into and disseminates, through advice, innovation, and teaching, sustainable and value-creating solutions in the area of food and health for the benefit of society. The institute’s vision is to make a difference by generating future prosperity through research into food and health. The institute prevents disease and promotes health, develops new and better food products for a growing population and creates sustainable technological solutions. The institute’s tasks are carried out in a unique interdisciplinary cooperation in nutrition, chemistry, toxicology, microbiology, epidemiology, modelling, and technology.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

Adresse:

Søltoft Plads
2800 Kgs. Lyngby