Postdoc of Nutrition

Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports

Faculty of Science

University of Copenhagen



The Department of Nutrition Exercise and Sports, University of University of Copenhagen, seek to appoint a postdoc as part of the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) funded Climate-resilient aquatic food systems for healthy lives of young women and girls in Bangladesh (AQUAFOOD) project. The PI is associate professor Nanna Roos.

The AQUAFOOD project

The AQUAFOOD project, funded by Danida, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Denmark, is a collaborative research project led by University of Copenhagen (KU), partnering with Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU), and International Centre for Diarrhoea Disease Research (ICDDR), Bangladesh, along with University of Stirling and University of Aberdeen, UK. The goal of the project is to generate new knowledge about the nutrition and health impacts of aquatic foods originating from the complex dynamics of the export-driven aquatic food systems of coastal Bangladesh, in the view of climate change. Aquatic foods play a vital role in both the diets and economy of Bangladesh. These rich aquatic resources of Bangladesh face significant challenges due to climate change, particularly impacting coastal aquaculture farming communities.

The post doc research

We are seeking a postdoc to conduct research in the area of human nutrition within the AQUAFOOD project, as well as contributing to interdisciplinary research. The post doc will define and conduct research as an integrated part of the collaborative project research activities in Bangladesh. The research activities include a study of the health and nutrition of young women living in coastal communities, as well as developing relevant tools and biomarkers for aquatic food intake.

The research tasks of the post doc are within the areas of

1. The development of novel assessment tools for aquatic food consumption including the use and validation of potential biomarkers for aquatic fat, protein and micronutrient intakes
2. Investigate the predictive value of aquatic food consumption for associations with health and nutrition status.
3. Explore potential contribution of aquatic food on the protein quality of diverse diets.
4. Contribute together with project collaborators from Bangladesh and the UK to the field study designs and preparation for primary data collection
5. Provide technical and administrative support to the project coordination and support the PhD students under the project.
6. Participate in regular meetings of the project team, and frequent travel to Bangladesh based on project need.

Selection criteria



Essential

1. A PhD degree in human nutrition, life sciences, or a related quantitative discipline.
2. Project management skills, with experience in international project coordination with multiple research partners.
3. Excellent communicating skills in english (both written and spoken)
4. Can travel frequently to project sites based on the project requirement.

Desired

1. Experience from working in South Asian region
2. Publication record on nutrition. Experience in protein quality assessment an advantage.
3. Basic understanding in Danish and/or Bengali an advantage

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 associate professor Nanna Roos, [email protected]



The position is open from 1 October 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is available for a fixed term of 25 months at 30 hours per week. The position can be fulltime based on obtaining additional external funding.

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

• A detailed CV;
• A motivation letter (max. 2 pages);
• A research plan (max. 2 pages, excluding references) that describes the applicant's existing research agenda and how it relates to this call, and plans on how to conduct research within the project’s framework
• Certificates/Diplomas (MA and PhD degree);
• A complete list of publications

The deadline for applications is 31 July 2024, 23:59 GMT +2.

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 in the beginning of September.