PhD fellowship in Protein Modification Chemistry

PhD fellowship in Protein Modification Chemistry

The Department of Food Science, Section Ingredient and Dairy Technology invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in Protein Modification Chemistry. The project is part of the research project ‘’ PROTECT:
Protein and Lipid Oxidation Interplay in Plant-Based Foods and their Impact on Brain Function’’, a Sapere Aude Research Leader grant funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark.

Start date is 1 March 2026
, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project

The project (PROTECT) attempts to answer the key question:
Are highly processed plant-based foods healthy? This project investigates how proteins and lipids in these foods undergo process‑induced modifications that may form unwanted or potentially harmful compounds. We will study how these compounds affect brain health by examining their impact on brain function. Using advanced analytical chemistry tools and computer models, we aim to uncover the mechanisms by which these compounds affect brain function.

We are looking for candidates with a strong educational background in food science, analytical chemistry, and/or chemical sciences. The PhD student will primarily work on understanding modifications of plant‑based proteins within the domains of food chemistry, analytical chemistry, and protein modification chemistry. The project involves close collaboration with other project members focusing on biological studies (e.g. effects on brain function) as well as modelling approaches.

The candidate is expected to actively engage in interdisciplinary discussions across project partners to ensure integration of experimental and analytical findings, with the aim of developing a comprehensive understanding of how protein modifications influence health outcomes.

Our group and research‑and what do we offer?

The PhD fellow will join the Chemistry of Sustainable Foods Research Group
. The group is currently constituted of four PhD students, one postdoctoral researcher, one project coordinator, one laboratory technician, one guest, and four Master’s students. The group is highly international and brings together diverse scientific and cultural backgrounds.

Our research focuses on the chemistry of sustainable foods, with particular emphasis on food processing, oxidatin reactions, and their implications for nutritional quality, safety, and health. The group combines advanced analytical chemistry, food chemistry, and biological models to address challenges relevant to sustainable food systems.

As part of the group, the PhD fellow will work in a collaborative and supportive research environment with access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratory facilities (e.g. chromatography and mass spectrometry), interdisciplinary expertise, and strong national and international research networks. We offer close scientific supervision, opportunities for international collaboration, and training in both experimental research and scientific communication, supporting the PhD fellow’s academic and professional development.

The group is part of the Department of Food Science, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen. We are located in Copenhagen.

Principal supervisor is Associate Professor Mahesha M. Poojary
, Email: mahesha.dk Phone: .

The PhD programme

A
three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme),
if you already have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree.

Qualifications needed for the regular programme
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. food chemistry, biochemistry, food science and technology, chemistry, or related areas. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.

Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen.…