The PhD project will be a part of the GUDP project KRABFISK. A project that will investigate how to use shore crabs for human consumption. KRABFISK consist of partners covering the whole value chain from fishing boats to downstream medium-sized Danish enterprises that use the shore crabs as well as university partners from DTU National Food Institute (DTU Food) and DTU Aqua. The PhD candidate will be working across different research groups at DTU Food (Microbial Biotechnology and Biorefining, Food Microbiology and Hygiene as well as Food Production Engineering). Additionally, an external stay will be included in the project.
The aim of KRABFISK is to reduce the carbon footprint by providing new raw material for sustainable food production. Shore crabs have not been utilized on a commercial scale due to the raw material’s short shelf-life. Therefore, the key focus of the PhD research will be to stabilize the raw material through fermentation to secure a longer shelf-life and safer end products. The research will be conducted in a collaboration with the other partners in the GUDP project. The PhD will be supervised by Claus Heiner Bang-Berthelsen (Senior scientist), Lisbeth Truelstrup Hansen (Professor) and Nina Gringer (Associate Professor).
Responsibilities and qualifications
The PhD candidate will under supervision be responsible for the project related experimental work both in the laboratory and in the field. The candidate will also get general responsibilities in relation to the upkeep of the National Food Institute Culture Collection (NFICC) containing almost 3.000 microbial strains. Also, the candidate will be involved in the teaching and education as well as other activities such as general maintaining the laboratories and equipment across the 3 groups involved in the PhD.
We are looking for a candidate, who ideally has a solid background in most of the following areas:
- Food processing including pilot-scale biorefining of marine biomasses
- Food preservation and food safety
- Microbiology and metabolism
- Lactic acid bacteria based fermentations
- Identification of microorganisms by MALDI-TOF biotyper and different omics analysis
- Chemical characterization of foods: Enzyme assays, colorimetry assays, HPLC, etc.
We expect that you are an efficient team worker, have good communication skills, and have a critical approach to the formulation and testing of hypotheses. In addition, we appreciate a good sense of humor. Written and spoken English is a prerequisite as there will be teaching obligations. Having a driver’s license would be considered an asset.
You must have a two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master’s degree.
We are looking for a candidate with a strong background in microbial biotechnology and food technology. A candidate with some experience from academia and industry will be preferred. The candidate may have studied a MSc program in food technology, microbiology, or biotechnology.
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme,
Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Senior scientist Claus Heiner Bang-Berthelsen, Professor Lisbeth Truelstrup Hansen and Associate Professor Nina Gringer, DTU Food.
We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.
Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years, with an expected start date is 1st January 2023 or soon thereafter. The position will primarily be based at the main DTU campus in Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from senior scientist Claus Heiner Bang-Berthelsen, DTU Food, tel.: +45 2986 6900 or email (claban@food.dtu.dk). Professor Lisbeth Truelstrup Hansen (litr@food.dtu.dk) or +45 20640677 and Associate Professor Nina Gringer (ngri@food.dtu.dk) or +45 45256624.
Food production engineering (Research Group for Food Production Engineering – DTU Food) and Food microbiology and hygiene (Research Group for Food Microbiology and Hygiene – DTU Food).
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.
Application
Please submit your online application no later than 15 November 2022 (Danish time).
Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online”, fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
You may apply prior to obtaining your master’s degree but cannot begin before having received it.
Applications and enclosures received after the deadline will not be considered.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
The National Food Institute (DTU Food) works within six technical focus areas: Biotechnology, nutrition, food quality, food safety, food technology and environment & human health. Activities cover a wide range of food products throughout the entire food chain from farm to table, comprising both research activities and research-based consulting and teaching.
Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,400 students and 5,800 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.
Apply for this job
Apply no later than 15 November 2022
Apply for the job at DTU Food by completing the following form:
.Apply online (Note: Positions posted after 4-11 must be applied through the link in the job post