Department of Food Science (FOOD KU), Faculty of Science (SCIENCE) at University of Copenhagen in collaboration with Arla is offering a PhD scholarship commencing 1 June 2021 or soon thereafter. The application deadline is 1 May 2021.

Project description

The project will study aim to understand the kinetics of changes in multicomponent dairy particle formulations during dynamic storage conditions and how they link to reconstitution. There are significant opportunities to promote sustainable nutrition by developing protein rich dairy formulations that could be used in developing countries. Such products include dairy powders mixed with other ingredients, e.g. sugar vegetable fats etc. Stability becomes a challenge, as storage in adverse conditions, e.g. temperature and humidity.  The project will include establishing a systematic approach to underpinning mechanisms at microscopic and macroscopic scales in dry systems. The objectives of the project are: 1) Understand key transformations leading to reduced reconstitution ability.; 2) Understand dynamics of water interactions with key powder components using a range of techniques, e.g. microscopy, spectroscopy. 3) Establish methods to predict stability and design the production of stable powders and dry products.

The PhD project will be undertaken in collaboration with Arla. Arla’s goal
is to be at the forefront of dairy product development and match consumer needs worldwide. Close collaboration with Arla presents a unique opportunity for the student to benefit from a dynamic environment, state of the art facilities as well as be exposed in an industrial environment that will enable transformation of fundamental knowledge to practical findings.

The project will be hosted by University of Copenhagen.

Principal supervisor

Professor  Serafim Bakalis

bakalis@food.ku.dk

 (+45) 35 33 63 14

Dept. of Food Science

University of Copenhagen

Job description

Your key tasks as a PhD fellow at SCIENCE are:

• Manage and carry through your experimentally based research project
• Take PhD courses
• Write scientific papers and your PhD thesis
• Participate in international congresses
• Teach and disseminate your research

Key criteria for the assessment of candidates

• A master degree related to the subject area of the project
• Knowledge of chemistry and physics of dry formulations
• Practical experience with laboratory work and data analysis
• Knowledge in the area of Dairy an advantage
• The grade point average achieved
• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD programme
• Previous publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other professional activities
• Good interpersonal and communicative skills required for team work across disciplines
• English language skills

Formal requirements
The position is available for a 3-year period for applicants holding a relevant master degree

The successful applicant of the PhD scholarship must pass an enrolment in the SCIENCE Graduate School before the Faculty can finish the letter of employment.

Graduate School of SCIENCE strives to give our students the best international career prospects within our main research areas.

Terms of employment

The position will be filled according to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The post is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

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

Questions

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

General information about PhD programmes is available at

https://www.science.ku.dk/english/research/phd/

Application Procedure

Apply by clicking ‘Apply online’ below.

Applications – in English – must include:

• Cover Letter, stating which PhD project you are applying for and detailing your motivation and background for applying for the specific PhD project.
• CV
• Diploma and transcripts of records 
• Other information for consideration, e.g. list of publications (if any), peer reviewed and other
• Personal Recommendations  
• A maximum of 3 relevant scientific works which the applicant wishes to be included in the assessment.
• Applicants whose principal language of instruction during their BSc/MSc was not Scandinavian or English must enclose IELTS or TOEFL test scores.

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation Executive Order no 1039 of 27 August 2013.

The application must be received no later than 1 May 2021. Applications received later than this date will not be considered

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.