Postdoc of plant antinutrients and protein quality

Department of Food Science, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, invites applications for a position as Postdoc in plant antinutrients and protein quality from 1 September 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is for a period of 24 months.

The position is anchored in two research projects focusing on the nutritional quality of proteins from lupins and rapeseed protein ingredients. The position implies research obligations within analyses of nutritional quality of lupins and rapeseed, including studies on antinutrients and in vitro protein digestibility. The department has a strong platform within plant protein digestibility assays, including both in-house assay and the INFOGEST platform that will support the project tasks. The research will be conducted in close collaboration with both internal and external partners, and a collaborative mindset is essential.

The postdoc duties will be to setup (advanced) methods for analyzing a broad range of relevant antinutrients, as well as evaluating plant protein digestibility using in vitro systems. Analysis of protein modifications is also highly relevant. The candidate is therefore required to have hands-on experience with setting up analytical methods, performing in vitro digestibility studies and analyzing protein modification. The duties also include obligations with regards to publication/scientific communication and research-based teaching, as well as supervision of students.

The post doc will be part of the research group Plant based food and Biochemistry (https://food.ku.dk/english/research_at_food/research-groups/plant-based-foods-and-biochemistry/).

Specific tasks for the postdoc position:

• Analyzing a broad range of antinutrients, e.g. trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitors, phytic acid, lectins, tannins, oligosaccharides etc.  
• Characterizing protein digestibility using in vitro systems, e.g. INFOGEST
• Detection of protein modifications
• Contribution to teaching and supervision of students

Required qualifications:

• PhD degree in food science, biochemistry or biotechnology.
• Documented experience with a broad range of antinutrient analyses
• Practical experience with HPLC, LC-MS/MS, enzyme assays and ELISA
• Hands-on experience in setting up diverse analytical methods
• Experience with protein digestibility and protein modifications
• Team player with the ability to work independently and a ‘can-do’ attitude

Key selection criteria:

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

For further information on the Department please visit https://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/departments/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Associate Professor Iben Lykke Petersen, ilp@food.ku.dk or Head of research group, Professor Poul Erik Jensen, pej@food.ku.dk.

The postdoc’s duties will include research within plant antinutrients and protein quality as well as teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.

Further information on the Department is linked at https://food.ku.dk/english/  

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.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

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

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The dealine for applications is 4 July 2025, 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 will be held mid-July 2025.