Postdoc in scaling - DTU Food

The DTU National Food Institute is looking for a postdoc to work on up-scaled cultivation and downstream processing of microalgae for production of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D3 food supplements and food ingredients. The work includes implementation of in-line vitamin D3-biofortification by novel use of UV-technology.
The DTU National Food Institute offers a postdoc position to carry out research on developing up-scaled cultivation of Nannochloropsis oceanica and eco-efficient downstream processing for production of nutritious omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin D3 food supplements and ingredients, and ii) implementation of in-line UV-treatment for vitamin D3-biofortification.

Different eco-efficient and sustainable technologies will be applied for downstream processing to obtain high-quality end-products. The eco-efficient strategy includes vibro-separation technology, cell-disruption methods without chemicals, such as enzymatic or mechanical treatment, and green-extraction technologies, such as supercritical CO2. The work will be carried out in close collaboration with industrial partners, collaborating on the implementation of their innovative technologies and solutions. The research carried out by the postdoc will contribute to the AgriFoodTure partnership, with the common mission to accelerate green-transition in the Danish agri-food system. Hence, this project commits to this mission and contributes with green innovation in production of plant-based nutrients for food and food supplements.

The postdoc will be employed in the Research Group for Bioactives – Analysis and Application[CJ1] , at the DTU National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark. Research in green-technologies and high value compounds from plant based raw materials and their application in foods is one of the focus areas of the research group. Dynamic staff with high international visibility, many research collaborations with leading international universities and organisations, and a successful track record of national and international research projects are the key for the research group.

A good working environment and job satisfaction are important to us. You will get plenty of opportunities to interact with good colleagues with multi-cultural backgrounds both scientifically and socially. We organise several social events during the year and put emphasis on empowerment and responsibility of the individual employee.

Responsibilities and qualifications
We are seeking a candidate with a PhD in biotechnology, chemical engineering, food science, food technology, or similar.

As part of your research, you will:

• Use pilot scale photobioreactor (100-150L) for cultivation of N. oceanica
• Use non-thermal green technologies to obtain high quality products from N. oceanica
• Implement and validate in-line vitamin D3-biofortification by novel use of UV-treatment technology using statistical design
• Evaluate the nutritional profile (e.g. lipid profile and vitamins) of N. oceanica along the process line
• Collaborate with industrial partners for the implementation and scaling up of the cultivation and downstream processing
• Work closely together with lab technicians who carry out analysis of the raw materials to characterize them
• Engage in supervision of students and be involved in teaching activities
• Contribute to the discussion and with ideas that enhance the collaboration and outcome of the work
• Participate in and present results in project meetings with our project partners
• Take responsibility for planning and executing your experiments

Assessment
In the assessment of the candidates, consideration will be given to:

• Research experience with cultivation optimization of microalgae in photobioreactors
• Research experience in lipid and vitamin synthesis in microalgae, and the effect of growth conditions
• Experience with lipid extraction, including pre-treatment techniques for cell-debris
• Experience with analytical techniques to analyze lipids and vitamins
• Supervision and teaching experience
• Skills within statistical analysis
• Communication skills both in oral and written English
• Flexibility and self-motivation are desired skills at DTU
• We expect you to be a team player and interested in collaboration internally and externally
• Strong motivation in sustainability and green-transition

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. 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 2 years. The starting date is 1st of September 2025 (or according to mutual agreement)

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
If you need more information, you are welcome to contact Associate professor Ditte B. Hermund, dbala@food.dtu.dk

You can read more about The DTU National Food Institute 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 1 May 2025 (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. Applications submitted by e-mail to the contact person will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

The DTU National Food Institute
The DTU National Food Institute conducts research into and disseminates - through advice, innovation and teaching - sustainable and value-creating solutions in 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 unique interdisciplinary cooperation in e.g. 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.

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