Postdoc in seaweed metabolism and safety - DTU Food

DTU Food is looking for a postdoc for a 2-year position with focus on:

• Studies of the gut microbiome impact on metabolism and bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds (e.g. saccharides, proteins, toxic elements) in seaweeds upon ingestion
• Studies of the removal/reduction of cadmium in a seaweed industrial sidestream to facilitate new and safe uses of the waste/sidestream

As our new colleague you will be working across three different research groups at the National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark (DTU Food) namely Bioactives – Analysis and Application, Analytical Food Chemistry and Gut, Microbes and Health. Some of the focus areas of the groups are investigation of the potential of utilizing seaweeds as food or food ingredients, gut health in general and also potentially toxic elements for chemical risk assessment. You will be part of a dynamic team with high international visibility, many research collaborations with leading international universities and organisations and a successful track record of national and international research projects.

Responsibilities and qualifications
A major part of your activities will be associated with two new projects; Seaweed for gut health in collaboration with Chalmers University (Sweden) and CadCleanStream in collaboration with the companies CP Kelco and Inbicore (both Denmark). You will take a leading role in the research and organization of the work at DTU. The research activities will mainly take place at DTU, but also at the partners’ facilities. Therefore, you must be flexible in time and place.

The position involves participation in laboratory work with gut microbes and analysis of potential toxic elements, monosaccharides and proteins as well as design of experiments and communication with partners in the project. The candidate may also be involved in other research and teaching activities within the research field of the groups.

You as a candidate has excellent qualifications and knowledge within the following areas:

• Seaweed composition
• Interactions and complexation between compounds in seaweed and effects on properties
• Chemical analysis, preferably monosaccharide and protein analysis and/or analysis of potential toxic elements
• Cost effective experimental design and statistical data evaluation
• Dissemination of scientific results to peers, industry, food authorities, and general popular science

You have a background in Food technology, or Biotechnology, as well as knowledge on polysaccharides/hydrocolloids within seaweeds. You have practical experience with experiments in laboratory and pilot scale and with collaboration with companies.

We expect that you are an efficient team worker, have great coordinating and communication skills and have a critical engineering mindset.

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 position is a full-time position. Starting date is July 1 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Susan L. Holdt, [email protected] , tel.: +45 93 51 89 22 and Professor Jens J. Sloth, [email protected] , tel.: +45 29 46 12 80.

You can read more about DTU Food 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 .

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online", 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.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

The DTU National Food Institute
DTU Food conducts research into and disseminates - through advice, innovation and teaching sustainable and value-creating solutions in the area of 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 a 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 13,400 students and 5,800 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.