Post doc position – Effect of lupine feeding in organic milk productions and effect on milk composition Part-time

Post Doc Position – Effect of Lupine Feeding in Organic Milk Productions and Effect on Milk Composition

The Department of Food Science, Aarhus University (Denmark), invites applications for an 18-month postdoc position within analytic chemistry of milk and lupine seeds. A key target is alkaloids in lupins and their possible transfer to milk, but also the general effect of lupine feeding on milk composition and quality.

This is an 18-month position from 1 October 2026. This is a fixed-term position to end on 31 March 2028.

We are seeking a skilled, motivated, and successful candidate to develop and support this research that explores the effect of Danish-grown organic protein crops of high quality for organic milk production as an alternative to soy. Lupines are a good choice here and are expected to have positive effects on milk production, but contain alkaloids, which potentially can transfer to milk. The postdoc position is part of the Food Chemistry group at the Department of Food Science, Aarhus University and may also include teaching and dissemination activities, as well as supervision of students. You are expected to complement and grow your expertise, and to actively participate and deliver on projects carried out in one of the most dynamic groups in food science at Aarhus University. You will have many opportunities to connect with other research partners and be in a cross-disciplinary collaboration with other research groups and industry partners. The postdoc position is part of the LupMilk project, carried out in collaboration between Aarhus University, Innovation Centre for Organic Farming, Eurofins and the organic Danish dairies Thise and Naturmælk.

Applicants must have a PhD degree in chemistry/food chemistry/biotechnology/food science or similar. Also:

• Documented expertise in legumes and dairy, incl. using advanced analytical techniques to explore compositional variations in these, as well as more general expertise within biochemistry and food chemistry
• Documented expertise in analyzing plant and food components using advanced analytical techniques, i.e. targeted mass spectrometry (triple Q and single Q) and preferentially also within milk compositional analyses
• General knowledge of sustainable Danish dairy production and practical experience with farm visits and communication with farmers
• Experience with self-directed coordination of research
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate and communicate in academia, with industry and to the public
• Efficient at planning, developing, organizing and execution of major tasks
• Curiosity-driven interest in investigating alkaloids from lupines and milk and associate variation to primary production factors
• A high level of verbal and written communication in English, science communication skills proven publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals including first-authored publications in leading international journals
• Good interpersonal skills, the ability to thrive in a diverse, multidisciplinary environment, and the ability to disseminate scientific results
• Experience in supervising students, teaching and conducting hypothesis-driven research of the highest academic standards
• Candidates need to have a driver's license

We offer a challenging and independent job opportunity in an ambitious and inspiring research and education environment with an informal atmosphere. We are looking for a dynamic employee who can work independently and maintain an overview during periods of high workload. We expect that you are efficient at planning your time and organizing major tasks. You enjoy interaction with both scientific staff, students and technical-administrative staff and you have a flair for establishing collaborative relationships. We offer unique research experience in an interdisciplinary research project, combining state-of-the-art techniques in protein chemistry, protein functionality, rheology and structure-functional relationships. We also offer a great research environment characterized by collaboration, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and success in mentoring.

The place of work is the Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Agro Food Park 48, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.

For further information about the project or the position, please contact Associate Professor Nina Aagaard Poulsen, nina.poulsen@food.au.dk.

Applications must be received no later than May 28th 2026.