Postdoc in Sensory and Consumer science

The SDU FOOD MATTERS group at SDU Biotechnology, Department of Green Technology at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) invites applicants for a 36-month postdoctoral research fellowship in sensory and consumer perception of fermented plant-based foods with an expected starting date 1 February 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The position is part of a large, collaborative European project (FlavourFerm) focused on fermentation technology to unlock the flavour potential of plant-based foods and respond to consumer demand for tasty, nutritious, and healthy plant-based products. 

The postdoctoral position focuses on the sensory quality and consumer acceptance of plant-based foods (both plant-based dairy and meat products alternatives) utilizing the innovative fermentation techniques. The postdoctoral fellow employed in this position will have the main responsibility for planning, executing, and reporting on the results of the sensory trials in the project. Further, the successful candidate is expected to have an interdisciplinary mindset and will collaborate closely with project partners working in related tasks (e.g., physico-chemical characterization, nutritional quality and gut health effects) to build a comprehensive database on the same set of samples.  

The position is primarily research-focused but may also include teaching and/or student supervision to a limited degree.

The ideal scientific profile of the candidate is:

• A PhD with a specialization related to food science, sensory science, psychophysics, human nutrition, or a closely related field.
• Experience with one but preferably more of the following areas:
  • Sensory and consumer science
  • Sensometrics (univariate & multivariate analysis of sensory and consumer data) 
  • Human Nutrition and dietary assessment
  • Microbiology and bioinformatics

Furthermore, priority consideration will be given to candidates who possess the following qualifications:

• Documented experience from projects related to the current position (e.g., food microbiome; plant-based food and/or fermentation technologies)
• Previous experience with practical planning of sensory experiments 
• Previous experience with scientific publishing and other forms of research dissemination 

Finally, the candidate is expected to:

• Have an interdisciplinary and collaborative mindset
• Be curious and interested in exploring new scientific horizons
• Work and communicate in an open and honest manner and engage in constructive scientific discussions with colleagues
• Assist in the supervision of students (PhD, master, bachelor)
• Have the ability to work independently
• Excellent English communication oral and written (work language is English) 

We offer

A vibrant scientific environment within a dynamic, young, and international research team of 8-10 members with interdisciplinary background. We are based in Odense, a welcoming and affordable city, you'll experience an international-friendly atmosphere with a rich cultural life. Odense is family-friendly, set along a beautiful fjord, and provides an excellent quality of life.

Contact information

For further information about this position, please contact Associate Professor Davide Giacalone ([email protected]). If you experience technical problems, you must contact [email protected].

The University of Southern Denmark wishes to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position.

Conditions of employment 

Employment as a postdoc requires scientific qualifications at PhD level. Employment as a postdoc is temporary and will cease without further notice at the end of the period.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations.

The assessment process

Read about the assessment process at SDU here. Shortlisting may be used. 

Application
Open the ‘Apply now’ link to fill out the application form and upload your files.

Documents should not contain a CPR number (civil registration number) – in this case, the CPR number must be crossed out.

The application and CV must not exceed 10 MB.

The application including the required attachments must be in English.

Application deadline is 15 December 2024.

The application must include (all attachments must be in Adobe PDF format): 

• A cover letter/motivational statement
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae
• Certificates/Diplomas (MSc and PhD) - Danish or English translation
• List of publications
• Up to three letters of recommendation

Further information  for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering

Apply at www.sdu.dk/en