Postdoc in Chemometrics with focus on food protein modifications

Department of Food Science is offering a position as postdoc for a period of 2½ years commencing 1 April 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter to be employed in the Food Proteins research group headed by prof. Marianne Nissen Lund:

https://food.ku.dk/english/research_at_food/research-groups/food_proteins_group/ .

The position is part of two projects, SEEDFOOD (a major part of the position) and INSITUQUANT (a minor part of the position):

 ‘SEEDFOOD: Functional and palatable plant seed storage proteins for sustainable foods’: https://food.ku.dk/english/research_at_food/research-projects/2022/seedfood-functional-and-palatable-plant-seed-storage-proteins-for-sustainable-foods/ .

SEEDFOOD is a challenge project funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The primary partners in SEEDFOOD are University of Copenhagen (UCPH), Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and University of Le Mans in France (ULM). The project coordinator is prof. Marianne Nissen Lund. In the part of the SEEDFOOD project related to the announced postdoc position, the aim is to gather data from all project partners in order to generate predictive models for how to guide processing and modification of rapeseed proteins to achieve desired functionalities.

SEEDFOOD serves as multi-disciplinary centre in which you as young scientist will benefit from training and joint supervision by principal investigators. We expect some mobility between labs and partners. You will be part of an international dynamic research environment founded on knowledge sharing, high scientific ambitions and cross-disciplinary synergy. We focus on active career development of junior researchers, and offer 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.

We will use rapeseed protein to obtain new insights underpinning 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 sustainably transform poor functionality of plant seed storage proteins and rationally tailor protein performance for future food design. Scientific themes in SEEDFOOD encompass: gentle and sustainable processing to isolate seed proteins; improvement of protein surface characteristics through enzyme treatments; biophysics of protein structures and molecular interactions; functionality and palatability in model foods.

‘INSITUQUANT: In Situ Quantification of Protein Modifications in Foods’:

https://food.ku.dk/english/news/2017/new-project-aims-to-improve-the-quality-of-our-food/ .

INSITUQUANT is a Sapere Aude research leader project funded by Independent Research Fund Denmark and the PI is prof. Marianne Nissen Lund. In this part of the INSITUQUANT project, the aim is to study how polyphenols affect the intrinsic fluorescence of proteins when polyphenols are covalently bound to proteins. The results will be validated against state-of-the-art analytical chemical and biochemical methods (typically based on separation techniques such as ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry).

The successful candidate will focus on the use of advanced multivariate data analysis on a wide range of different analytical data from unmodified and modified food proteins (mostly rapeseed proteins). The candidate will also be required to do a certain amount of lab work, including excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy and use other types of analytical chemical methods and techniques.

The ideal candidate has the following competences and skills:

• PhD in chemometrics or an equivalent. 
• Expertise in advanced multivariate data analysis.
• It is particularly relevant with skills in PARAFAC and related tensor methods. 
• Experience in coding/ scripting e.g. in MATLAB.
• Expertise in analytical chemical analysis, fluorescence spectroscopy in particular but experience with other types of state-of-the-art protein chemistry methods is an advantage.
• Knowledge about and interest in protein chemistry.  
• Good interpersonal and communication skills required for team work across disciplines. 
• Ability to work independently and deliver results within deadlines. 

The postdoc’s duties will primarily include research within multivariate data analysis and protein chemistry, including obligations with regard to publication/scientific communication and research-based teaching with associated examination obligations within chemometrics and protein chemistry. To a limited extent this may also include performance of other duties.

Further information on the Department is linked at www.food.ku.dk .

Inquiries about the position can be made to professor Marianne N. Lund, E-mail: [email protected] . Multivariate data analysis will be performed in collaboration with assoc. prof. Åsmund Rinnan from the same research group.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

The starting salary is currently up to DKK 442,247 including annual supplement (+ pension up to DKK 75,624). Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Cover letter describing your motivation for the position (max 1 page)
• Curriculum vita
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• If available, description and documentation of teaching and supervision experience and qualifications- please describe and document:
  • Experience with supervision of BSc and MSc students
  • Teaching experience
  • Formal pedagogical training
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 5 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 15 February 2024 , 23:59 GMT+1

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ .

Interviews will be held in weeks 11-12.

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.