Postdoc in Protein Biochemistry

Department of Food Science, Section of Food Analytics and Biotechnology, invites applicants for a postdoc in protein biochemistry with the aim to purify the rapeseed proteins cruciferin and napin, with start 1/1-2022 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project

Research opportunities as postdoc are now available in the ‘SEEDFOOD: Functional and palatable plant seed storage proteins for sustainable foods’ 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) and positions are available at all partners. The project coordinator is Professor Marianne Nissen Lund, Department of Food Science, UCPH.

SEEDFOOD will serve 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 and UV-light treatments; biophysics of protein structures and molecular interactions; functionality and palatability in model foods.

The postdoc’s duties will include research within purification and characterization of rapeseed proteins as well as teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.

Specific tasks for the postdoc position:

• The aim is isolation of pure cruciferin and napin and targeted quantification of metabolites in the protein fractions.
• Development of methods for rapeseed protein identification and quantification using targeted protein mass-spectrometry.
• In parallel, together with colleagues, develop methods involving untargeted LC-MS and near-infrared spectroscopy in combination with chemometrics
• Use these to identify and monitor the rapeseed proteins, seed enzymes, metabolites such as glucosinolates, their degradation products, phytates and phenolics during processing from seeds to defatted protein fractions.
• Isolation of cruciferin and napin fractions to provide proteins to be used by other SEEDFOOD partners.

Required qualifications:

• A PhD degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology or biotechnology.
• Practical experience in either plant biochemistry, protein chemistry, proteomics, or metabolomics.
• Excellent English communication skills.
• Good interpersonal skills and interest in working in a team of multiple partners.

Key selection criteria:

• Professional qualifications relevant for the position.
• Publications.
• Relevant work experience.
• Language skills.
• Creative thinking.

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 Professor Poul Erik Jensen, [email protected].

The position is open from 1/1-2022 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is for 36 months.

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

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers+1

The deadline for applications is 8 November 2021, 23:59 GMT

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 week 47.

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.