211-0408/22-2E Associate Professor in Food Quality Control by On-line Spectroscopy

Associate Professor in Food Quality Control by On-line Spectroscopy
Department of Food Science
Faculty of Science
University of Copenhagen (UCPH FOOD)

The Department of Food Science at the University of Copenhagen (UCPH FOOD) invites applications for a position as Associate Professor of Food quality control by on-line spectroscopy from 1 December 2022, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The department has a well-established research area in the application of spectroscopy in the form of multivariate on-line sensors for food quality control and optimization of food manufacturing processes. We are now seeking to strengthen our profile in green analytics for promoting sustainable food production. The Associate Professor will be part of the Section for Food Analytics and Biotechnology (FAB), which is among the leading scientific environments within food quality control, sustainable food processing and plant food biotechnology. As a part of the Foodomics research group, the candidate will join a dynamic research environment dedicated to food quality control examined by advanced analytical methods, centered on a research infrastructure that spans near infrared (NIR), infrared (IR), Raman and Fluorescence spectrometers, GC/LC-MS systems, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometers. We are seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial candidate with a primary focus on non-destructive vibrational spectroscopy, with an emphasis on NIR spectroscopy. An essential part of the position is collaboration with external partners, such as other academic institutions and industry. Also, the candidate is expected to develop her/his research in collaboration with other research groups at UCPH FOOD; within food processing, food microbiology, food chemistry, food physics and food aroma/taste.

The Department of Food Science is internationally recognized for excellence in food science research and education, strong industrial collaboration and with a vibrant international environment, where English is the primary working language. The Department has the mission to contribute with new fundamental knowledge and innovative solutions for society and industry in order to support sustainable food production, food security and safety, as well as production of palatable and high-quality novel foods promoting human health and well-being.

The ideal candidate should have qualifications and research experience in following areas:

• High throughput analysis using NIR spectroscopy including implementation of on-line sensors and associated applications, data collection and multivariate data processing
• Vibrational spectroscopy of food/biological materials (Infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Hyperspectral Imaging)
• Process analytical technology (PAT) and/or quality-by-design production optimization/control and quality control (QC) schemes
• Multivariate data analysis (chemometrics/machine learning) of large data sets from spectroscopic sensors
• A collaborative and innovative mind-set
• International network and collaborations
• Good teaching and supervising skills

Candidate preferences

• Teaching experience in disseminating of vibrational spectroscopy
• Teaching experience in disseminating of multivariate data analysis in relation to spectroscopic data
• Experience in programming languages (Matlab, Python, C/C++ or R)
• A documented track record in attracting funding and experience as PI or Co-PI.

In addition to the above mentioned qualifications, applicants are required to have a relevant PhD degree, e.g. within optical sensors, spectroscopy or analytical chemistry.

Applicants are required to have university level teaching experience, documented teaching competencies and must be able to explain and reflect upon own teaching practice and portfolio. Formal pedagogical training or supervision equivalent to the University of Copenhagen teacher training programme for assistant professors is required.

Duties include the applicant’s own research, development of the field, maintenance of the spectroscopy lab, assessment tasks, grant applications, and research management such as supervision and training of research fellows and other staff. The successful applicant must also teach, supervise, prepare and participate in examinations, and fulfill other tasks requested by the Department.

Assessment of applicants will primarily consider their level of documented, original scientific production at an international level, including contributions to developments in their field, as well as their documented teaching qualifications. Managerial and out-reach qualifications of applicants including ability to attract external funding will also be considered.

Six overall criteria apply for associate professor appointments at the University of Copenhagen. The six criteria (research, teaching, societal impact, organisational contribution, external funding and leadership) are considered a framework for an overall assessment of the candidates. Furthermore, each candidate must be assessed according to the specific requirements stated in the job advertisement. Please read more at https://jobportal.ku.dk/videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for-videnskabelige-stillinger/dokumenter-til-meritering/5b_Criteria_for_recognising_merit_-Associate_professors.pdf .

Further information on the Department can be found at https://www.food.ku.dk/english/ .

About the Foodomics research group at KU FOOD
The multidisciplinary character of foodomics requires basic research in many different fields including several areas of chemistry (organic, inorganic and analytical chemistry), biology, physics and mathematics. The Foodomics research group is one of the world’s leading research groups developing, optimizing and implementing new methodologies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for foodomics research.
The research is a key player in achieving a more sustainable food production and is therefore expected to have a major impact on a circular economy in future.

We invite the candidate to read more about the Foodomics research group at https://food.ku.dk/foodomics , and further information on the Department of Food Science, including the Food Analytics and Biotechnology section at https://food.ku.dk/ .

Inquiries about the position can be made to Professor Søren Balling Engelsen, [email protected] and +45 20200064.

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 Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae including information about external funding
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• Description and documentation of teaching experience and qualifications according to university guidelines
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 5 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 12 June 2022, 23:59 GMT +2.

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/trial lectures will be held on 14 October 2022.

Please refer to the following no. in future communication in this case: 211-0408/22-2E.

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.