PhD fellow in Spectroscopy and Process Analytical Technology

Department of Food Science, Faculty of Science at University of Copenhagen is offering a PhD scholarship in Spectroscopy and Process Analytical Technology commencing  1 September 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The application deadline is 25 July 2021.

Description of the scientific environment

The Department of Food Science is internationally recognized for its excellent food research and education, its impact for consumers and industry and its contribution to solving global challenges.

Common to all our research is that it contributes to growth, employment and solutions to global challenges such as sustainable food production, secure food supply, food and health, and the challenges within energy and the environment.

Rated as a leader in many research areas, our robust national and international collaborations with leading research institutions and large food and non-food industries are internationally recognized at a high level. Our research group, Chemometrics and Analytical Technology, carries out research and teaching within spectroscopic quality control, process analytical technology, multivariate data analysis and chemometric algorithm development.

Project description

The Ph.d. position will be part of the project Exchequer, a collaboration between Arla Foods Amba, University of Copenhagen, DTU (Technical University of Denmark), AU (Aarhus University), and is funded by Innovation Fund Denmark.

The aim of ph.d project is to develop online monitoring and process analytical tools for continuous cheese production. The ph.d. project will cover the development and application of spectroscopic sensors, exploratory multivariate data analysis and process analytical technology (PAT). Through process understanding and implementation of a multivariate sensor suite with associated data collection facilities, the ph.d. candidate will established a system to qualify and steer the production process in terms of production quality as the production happens. The developed sensor system will enable development of a model-based regulation of the production through measurements of physical and chemical changes at critical steps in the process that can be related to the desired product specifications.

Principal supervisor isAssociate Professor Klavs Martin Sørensen, Department of Food Science, [email protected] , with Professor Søren Balling Engelsen, Department of Food Science.

Job description

The position is available for a 3-year period and your key tasks as a PhD student at SCIENCE are:

• To manage and carry through your research project

• Attend PhD courses
• Write scientific articles and your PhD thesis
• Teach and disseminate your research
• To stay at an external research institution for a few months, preferably abroad
• Work for the department
• Work in close collaboration with the industrial and academic partners

Formal requirements
Applicants should hold an MSc degree in Food Science or similar, preferably having obtained good results and good English skills. Candidates that have prior experience with dairy production, process analytical technology, spectroscopic sensors and spectroscopic measurements, or multivariate analysis will be prioritized. As criteria for the assessment of your qualifications emphasis will also be laid on previous publications (if any) and relevant work experience.

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 at a minimum DKK 322,642 (approx. €43,015) including annual supplement (+ pension up to DKK 44,567). Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

Application Procedure

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

Please include

• A Cover Letter, detailing your motivation and background for applying for the specific PhD project. Also discuss expectations to your research and career and how this Ph.d. project ties into these plans. The cover letter cannot exceed 2 pages in length.

• CV
• Diploma and transcripts of records (BSc and MSc)
• Acceptance Letter for the relevant MSc Programme at SCIENCE, if any
• Other information for consideration, e.g. list of publications (if any),
• Full contact details (Name, address, telephone & email) of 1-3 professional referees

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

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee. Afterwards an assessment committee will be appointed to evaluate the selected applications. The applicants will be notified of the composition of the committee and the final selection of a successful candidate will be made by the Head of Department, based on the recommendations of the assessment committee and the interview committee.

The main criterion for selection will be the research potential of the applicant and the above mentioned skills. The successful candidate will then be requested to formally apply for enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD school of Science. You can read more about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ .

Questions

For specific information about the PhD scholarship, please contact the principal supervisor.

General information about PhD programmes at SCIENCE is available at https://www.science.ku.dk/phd .

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.