PhD Fellow in Plant Protein Nanofibrils Full-time NEW

PhD Fellowship in Plant Protein Nanofibrils for Designing Sustainable Food Textures

Section for Design and Consumer Behavior, FOOD invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in Plant Protein Nanofibrils for Designing Sustainable Food Textures. The project is part of the research project “Plant Protein Nanofibrils for Designing Sustainable Food Textures: From Nano to Sensory Properties”, which is financed by Danmarks Frie Forskningsfond.

Start date is (expected to be) 1 October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project

Protein nanofibrils (PNF) are uniquely suited as functional structuring materials due to their highly ordered molecular architectures. The diverse compositions of plant proteins form different types of PNFs. The relation between these multiscale architectures and morphological differences remain unclear. Therefore, we will investigate the mechanical properties of the different PNF-types at the nanoscale level. The aim is to develop plant PNFs as functional building blocks to improve food texture. The PhD will employ a mix of protein chemistry, microscopic analysis, and quality evaluation to study protein variability, fibrillization methods, interplay between PNF structure, functionality and gel texture.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for candidates within the field(s) of plant proteins, protein properties, and plant-based foods. Applicants can have a background from protein analytics, plant protein functionality, food science and technology.

Our group and research- and what do we offer?

You will be part of the research group LCA and Sustainable Food Design, which cover multiple scientific disciplines ranging from food chemistry to consumer science and food systems modelling. Our research vision is to advance the development of sustainable foods rooted in our understanding of the interplay between green chemistry principles, functionality, consumer acceptance and sustainability science. The research group focuses on the development of sustainable innovation in food science, which hinges on several critical understandings of food matrix effect during gentle processing and whole biomass exploitation. We combine knowledge on environmentally sustainable raw materials production and extraction, green chemistry principles and detailed knowledge about the properties of food components in complex food matrices during processing, storage and consumption. In addition, the project will integrated in the research group Structural Food Science, Section for Ingredient and Dairy Technology, which research is based on a multiscale approach where the properties of ingredients and their interactions are studied at the nano- and micro- scales in order to link molecular understanding to macroscopic food properties and quality.

The group is a part of Department of Food Science, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We are located in Copenhagen.

We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories.

Principal supervisor is Associate Professor, Vibeke Orlien, Department of Food Science, vor@food.ku.dk, Direct Phone: +45 35333226.

The PhD programme

A three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme), if you already have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master's degree.

Qualifications needed for the regular programme To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master's degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. [relevant educations]. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.

Terms of employment in the regular programme Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

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. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Responsibilities and tasks in both PhD programmes

• Complete and pass the MSc education in accordance with the curriculum of the MSc programme (ONLY when you are attending the integrated MSc and PhD programme)
• Carry through an independent research project under supervision
• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in plant proteins
• Good language skills

Application and Assessment Procedure

Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include :

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
2. Your motivation for applying for the specific PhD project
3. Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
4. Original diplomas for Bachelor or Master and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
5. Publication list (if possible)
6. Reference letters (if available)

Application deadline: The deadline for applications is 28 July 2026, 23:59 GMT +2.

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified whether you will be passed for assessment.

The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above-mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified and, if so, for which of the two models. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in week 37.

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

[General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School's website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/ ].

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.