Assistant Professor of Plant Protein Nutritional Quality

Department of Food Science, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, invites applications for a position as Assistant Professor from 1 May 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is for a period of 2 years and 6 months.

The position is anchored in a GUDP project on Danish Pulses for food, which implies research obligations within analyses of nutritional quality of pulses, including studies on the in vitro protein digestibility and antinutrients. The department has a strong platform within plant protein digestibility assays, including both in-house assay and the INFOGEST platform that will support the project tasks. The research will be conducted in close collaboration with a number of national partners, including industry, and experience with such collaboration is essential. The duties also include obligations with regards to publication/scientific communication and research-based teaching, as well as supervision of students.

The assistant professor’s duties will be associated to the research group Plant Based Foods and Biochemistry, Section of Food Analytics and Biotechnology and include teaching (M.Sc. level) within the field of plant based foods. While not required, experience in project management and strong organizational skills would be advantageous. To a limited extent this role may also include performance of other duties.

The candidate should have qualifications within several of the following areas

• Extensive experience with in-vitro protein digestibility assay, including INFOGEST
• Nutritional quality of plant proteins for food
• Knowledge on selected plant antinutrients, e.g. protease inhibitors
• Effect of processing on plant protein quality

In addition the appointed should have:

• A PhD degree related to the subject area of the position
• Experience in managing research projects
• Documented research skills within plant protein nutritional quality
• Documented teaching skills within plant-based foods
• Track record of (co)-supervising bachelor, master and PhD-students
• Demonstrated ability in grant-writing and acquisition
• A collaborative mindset and excellent English skills
• Ability to establish and nurture a professional network with national and international partners

For further information on the Department please visit http://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/departments/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Associate Professor Iben Lykke Petersen, [email protected] or Head of research group, Professor Poul Erik Jensen, [email protected].

The assistant professor’s duties will primarily include research, including obligations with regard to publication/scientific communication and research-based teaching with associated examination obligations within plant based foods. To a limited extent this may also include performance of other duties.

Assessment of applicants will primarily consider their level of documented, internationally competitive research. The ability to attract external funding will be considered together with outreach qualifications. Teaching qualifications are not mandatory but documented teaching qualifications and teaching experience will be considered.


Six overall criteria apply for assistant professor appointments at the University of Copenhagen. The six criteria (research, teaching, societal impact, organisational contribution, external funding and leadership) are considered a framework for the overall assessment of candidates. Furthermore, each candidate must be assessed according to the specific requirements stated in the job advertisement. Please read more at https://jobportal.ku.dk/videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for-videnskabelige-stillinger/dokumenter-til-meritering/5a_Criteria_for_recognising_merit_-Assistant_professors.pdf .

Further information on the Department is linked at http://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the position can be made to [institutleder].

The position is open from 1 May 2025 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 Ministry of Finance 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
• If available, description and documentation of teaching and supervision experience and qualifications - please describe and document:
  • Experience with supervision of BSc and MSc students
  • Teaching experience
  • Formal pedagogical training
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 5 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 18 March 2025, 23:59 GMT +1.

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 at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews will be held on 26 March 2025.