211-0471/22-2E Associate Professor in Dairy Chemistry

Associate Professor in Dairy Chemistry
Department of Food Science
Faculty of Science
University of Copenhagen

The Department of Food Science, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen invites applications for a position as Associate Professor in the area of “Dairy Chemistry” from 1 October 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The research areas of the department have a shared mission to contribute with new solutions for society and industry to support sustainable food production, food security and safety as well as production of high quality food promoting human health and wellbeing. The Department of Food Science is recognized for excellence in food research, education, and industrial collaboration. The Department is an international workplace with English as primary working language. The Associate Professor will be a part of the Section for Ingredients and Dairy Technology, which conducts basic and applied inter-disciplinary research in close collaboration with industry and actively contributes to teaching at the BSc in Food Science and the MSc in Food Science and Technology.

The candidate must be able to carry out research and teaching linking molecular understanding of individual food components and ingredients to the production, final quality, and properties of dairy and related food products. The research should cover several of the following sub areas:

• Chemistry and biochemistry of dairy components and ingredients
• Molecular interactions and properties of milk components, and structure function relationships.
• Chemistry of dairy proteins
• Functional properties of dairy components, especially proteins
• Chemistry of minerals in dairy products
• Analysis of milk components, including chromatographic techniques

We seek a candidate within the area of Dairy chemistry to perform excellent research and teaching within this area and to develop synergies between researchers within Department of Food Science as well as between other departments. The successful candidate should have an independent research profile and an international research record with a relevant background in food research and dairy chemistry. The candidate is also an inspiring teacher with visions for teaching development.  It is crucial that the candidate is able to foster a strong collaboration with the food industry and has proven ability to attract funding. 

Qualifications are expected within the following areas:

• General and broad knowledge of dairy science and technology
• Management of research projects involving collaborations between academic and industrial partners
• Experience with international collaborations
• Ability to develop collaborative research project ideas and attract the required funding
• Project and teaching management skills
• A collaborative and innovative mindset

In addition to the above-mentioned research qualifications, applicants are required to have a relevant Ph.D. degree and teaching experience at university level, documented teaching competencies and must be able to explain and reflect upon own teaching practice. Formal pedagogical training or supervision equivalent to the University of Copenhagen teacher training program for assistant professors is required.

Duties include the applicant’s own research, development of the field, 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 .

The successful candidate will be part of an internationally oriented and enthusiastic section currently consisting of four full professors, 6 associate professors, 9 assistant professors and post docs and more than 15 PhD candidates as well as highly skilled laboratory technicians. The section has at its disposal various pilot plant facilities and advanced analytical infrastructure.

Further information on the Department is linked at https://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/ . Inquiries about the position can be made to to head of department, Anna Haldrup (+45 9356 5698, [email protected] ) or head of section, professor Mogens L. Andersen (+45 3533 3262, [email protected] ).

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 26 March 2023, 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/trial lectures will be held on 11 August 2023.

Please refer to the following no. in future communication in this case: 211-0471/22-2E.

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.