Department of Food Science, Section of Food Analytics and Biotechnology, invites applicants for a postdoc in plant proteomics with aim to characterise the protein composition and protein interaction of pea accessions from the Nordic Genetic Resource Center (NordGen) for plant-based foods. The position is for 36 months with start 1/6-2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The Project

There is an essential need for substitution of animal protein with plant protein in our diet to get a more sustainable food production, as up to 75% of the greenhouse gas emissions from our food consumption origins from meat and dairy food products. One of the major drivers for this shift is plant-based alternatives, however, animal protein provides unique sensory and textural properties. The structure of plant proteins is very different from animal proteins and many of the plant-based alternatives currently on the market are rejected by consumers due to poor structural properties. The goal of this project is to identify pea seeds from the NordGen genebank that are more suitable for plant-based alternatives than the commercial available pea cultivars.

The post doc duties will be to setup proteomics based methods for characterization of the protein composition and protein interaction of pea seeds to obtain a better understanding of the gelation mechanisms of pea protein through the use of modeling and bioinformatics.

The post doc will be part of the research group Plant based food and Biochemistry and also joining the Food Proteomics platform at KU-Food.

Specific tasks for the postdoc position:

• Purification of proteins from pea 
• Proteomics analysis of pea protein  
• Bioinformatics analysis of the pea accessions
• Determination of the gelation properties

Required qualifications:

• A PhD degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology or biotechnology.
• Documented experience with LC-MS  based proteomics
• Practical experience with bioinformatics
• Practical experience with protein characterization
• Experience with protein purification 

Key selection criteria:

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

Further information on the Department is linked at https://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Associate Professor René Lametsch (rla@food.ku.dk)

The position is open from 1 June 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.

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 Danish Ministry of Taxation 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)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is Sunday 16 April 2023, 23:59 GMT +2. 

Interviews will be held during May.

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 athttps://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

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.