Postdoc i Stivelse og Protein Fordøjelighed ved KU

Department of Food Science, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, invites applications for a position as Postdoc on starch and protein in vitro digestibility from 1 March 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is for a period of 30 months.

The position is anchored in the research project NutriProc, focusing on how processing affects the interaction between plant protein and starch digestibility and thereby uptake of nutrients, and how this affects the postprandial blood glucose and satiety. The position implies research obligations within in vitro protein and starch digestibility. The candidate will work on simultaneously determining starch and protein digestibility using the INFOGEST protocol. The research will be conducted in close collaboration with both internal and external partners, and a collaborative mindset is essential.

The postdoc duties will be to set up a semi-dynamic in vitro system to determine starch and protein digestibility using the INFOGEST protocol. The candidate is therefore required to have hands-on experience with setting up analytical methods, performing in vitro digestibility studies using INFOGEST. The duties also include obligations with regard to publication/scientific communication and research-based teaching, as well as supervision of students.

The postdoc will be part of the research group Plant-based food and Biochemistry (https://food.ku.dk/english/research_at_food/research-groups/plant-based-foods-and-biochemistry/).

Specific tasks for the postdoc position:

• Characterizing starch and protein digestibility using in vitro systems, e.g. INFOGEST
• Familiarized with static and/or semi-dynamic in vitro digestion models
• Analyzing macronutrient composition and resistant starch
• Familiarized with statistical analysis
• Contribution to teaching and supervision of students
• Publishing research papers

Required qualifications:

• PhD degree in food science, nutrition, biochemistry, or biotechnology.
• Practical experience with in vitro digestion systems
• Hands-on experience in setting up analytical methods
• Experience with starch and/or protein digestibility
• Track record on research papers
• Team player with the ability to work independently and a ‘can-do’ attitude

Key selection criteria:

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

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 Assistant Professor Patrícia Duque-Estrada megan82davidcortezpatricia.estradaroberthunter@lewisfood.kucarter-smithhenderson-galvan.dk or Associate Professor Iben Lykke Petersen, matthew27ilpjimmy57@food.kujordanhughesward.dk.

The postdoc’s duties will include research within starch and protein digestibility as well as teaching. The post may also include the performance of other duties.

Further information on the Department is linked at https://food.ku.dk/english/

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)
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 11 January 2026, 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/.