PhD fellowship in Protein Modification Chemistry

The Department of Food Science, Section Ingredient and Dairy Technology invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in Protein Modification Chemistry. The project is part of the research project ‘’PROTECT: Protein and Lipid Oxidation Interplay in Plant-Based Foods and their Impact on Brain Function’’, a Sapere Aude Research Leader grant funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark.

Start date is 1 March 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project
The project (PROTECT) attempts to answer the key question: Are highly processed plant-based foods healthy? This project investigates how proteins and lipids in these foods undergo process-induced modifications that may form unwanted or potentially harmful compounds. We will study how these compounds affect brain health by examining their impact on brain function. Using advanced analytical chemistry tools and computer models, we aim to uncover the mechanisms by which these compounds affect brain function.

PROTECT is a collaboration between the University of Copenhagen, Technical University of Denmark, Technische Universität Dresden—TU Dresden, Germany and the University of California, Davis, USA with Assoc. Prof. Mahesha M. Poojary as the principal investigator. The project also collaborates with leading Danish industries. Read more about PTROTECT here: https://dff.dk/en/our-funded-projects/meet-the-researchers/research-leaders/eksterne-personer-en/research-leaders-2025/mahesha-manjunatha-poojary/

Who are we looking for?
We are looking for candidates with a strong educational background in food science, analytical chemistry, and/or chemical sciences. The PhD student will primarily work on understanding modifications of plant-based proteins within the domains of food chemistry, analytical chemistry, and protein modification chemistry. The project involves close collaboration with other project members focusing on biological studies (e.g. effects on brain function) as well as modelling approaches. The candidate is expected to actively engage in interdisciplinary discussions across project partners to ensure integration of experimental and analytical findings, with the aim of developing a comprehensive understanding of how protein modifications influence health outcomes.

Our group and research- and what do we offer?
The PhD fellow will join the Chemistry of Sustainable Foods Research Group. The group is currently constituted of four PhD students, one postdoctoral researcher, one project coordinator, one laboratory technician, one guest, and four Master’s students. The group is highly international and brings together diverse scientific and cultural backgrounds.

Our research focuses on the chemistry of sustainable foods, with particular emphasis on food processing, oxidatin reactions, and their implications for nutritional quality, safety, and health. The group combines advanced analytical chemistry, food chemistry, and biological models to address challenges relevant to sustainable food systems.

As part of the group, the PhD fellow will work in a collaborative and supportive research environment with access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities (e.g. chromatography and mass spectrometry), interdisciplinary expertise, and strong national and international research networks. We offer close scientific supervision, opportunities for international collaboration, and training in both experimental research and scientific communication, supporting the PhD fellow’s academic and professional development.

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

Principal supervisor is Associate Professor Mahesha M. Poojary, Email: [email protected] Phone: +4535326404.

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. food chemistry, biochemistry, food science and technology, chemistry, or related areas. 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:

• 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
• Knowledge/interest/experience in protein structure and modification
• Knowledge/interest/experience in analytical chemistry (e.g. HPLC, GC and MS)
• Basic knowledge of food chemistry and processing (required)
• Good communication and collaborative skills for working across disciplines (recommended)
• Ability to work independently and deliver results within deadlines (required)

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

Please include:

• Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
• Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position, name and contact details of two referees, and a list of publication (max 2 pages for CV and no limit for publication list)
• Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science 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.
• Reference letters (if available)

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 late January to early February.

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.

Københavns Universitet giver sine knap 10.000 medarbejdere muligheder for at udnytte deres talent fuldt ud i et ambitiøst, uformelt miljø. Vi sikrer traditionsrige og moderne rammer om uddannelser og fri forskning på højt internationalt niveau. Vi søger svar og løsninger på fælles problemer og gør ny viden tilgængelig og nyttig for andre.

Kontakt
Mahesha Manjunatha Poojary
E-mail: [email protected]

Info
Ansøgningsfrist: 18-01-2026

Ansættelsesdato: 01-03-2026

Arbejdstid: Fuldtid

Afdeling/Sted: FOOD