Technical University of Denmark - Postdoc in analytical chemistry – N-nitrosamines and related nitrogenous compounds in meat and meat substitutes

If you have experience in analytical chemistry and nitrogenous compounds this postdoc position is the perfect opportunity for your development as a researcher. DTU Food invites applications for a post doc position with particular focus on studies of nitrogenous compounds in the food and feed chain primarily through LC-MS/MS based target and non-target techniques on food and food models.



We seek a candidate capable of working independently, being curious and yet able to collaborate as a team player in our research group. Competences and interest within analytical chemistry, food processing and food safety will characterize the successful candidate. The post doc. will become part of the Research Group for Analytical Food Chemistry.



Our Research Group holds an extensive analytical platform based on mass spectrometry and aims at providing comprehensive chemical insight to understand the formation and prevalence of unwanted chemical components in the food chain. We therefore work on e.g. novel and renewable resources, food contact materials (packaging) and food models for processing.

Responsibilities and qualifications

A major part of the candidate’s activities will be associated to on-going research projects related to studies on formations of N-nitrosamines and assessment of food safety in meat and meat substitute matrices. The work will involve target and non-target approaches for characterization of nitrogenous compounds in meat as well as meat substitutes and evaluation of food safety aspects based on obtained results. The activities will be conducted in close collaboration with both internal and external partners. The candidate will be involved in the planning and administration of the project activities as well as European Reference Laboratory activities on metals and nitrogenous compounds (EURL-MN).

The candidate may also be involved in other research activities within the research field of the group.

The successful candidate is expected to contribute to:

• Development of the research area of the group
• Attraction of research funds
• Teaching activities, supervision as well as lecturing
• Collaboration with business
• Scientific advice of public authorities

The group has an extensive, cross-disciplinary collaboration with other research groups at DTU as well as national and international research partners and the candidate will be responsible for utilizing such collaboration to strengthen the group’s position.

The candidate is expected to have solid knowledge of and experience within analytical food chemistry with focus on small molecules at trace levels and experience on analysis of biological materials. The preferred candidate is ambitious and structured, has a high motivation for research excellence and a good command of written and spoken English.

Priority will be given to applicants with documented experience in and/or knowledge of one or more of the following areas:

• Solid background in general food/feed analytical chemistry
• Experience in operating LC-MS/MS and LC-HRMS as well as other analytical techniques in relation to target and non-target analysis
• Laboratory accreditation (ISO17025), analytical quality assurance and method validation
• Previous work experience with analysis of N-nitrosamines
• Sample handling (from sampling to analysis)
• Food safety risk assessment (e.g. knowledge of EU food legislation)
• International networking and collaboration skills obtained through e.g. projects and networks

In addition we expect that:

• You document your work in the form of scientific publications
• You are motivated by both personal and team accomplishments
• You thrive on collaboration and teamwork in a multicultural environment

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and terms of employment

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 2 years. Starting date is 1. February 2023 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is full time.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information

May be obtained from head of research group professor Jens J. Sloth, tel.: +45 3588 7625 (jjsl@food.dtu.dk) and associate professor Lene Duedahl-Olesen tel: +45 9351 8924. (lduo@food.dtu.dk).

You can read more about the department at www.food.dtu.dk

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 28 October 2022 (Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

The National Food Institute, DTU

DTU Food or the National Food Institute do research within biotechnology, nutrition, food quality, food safety, food technology and environment & health. Activities cover a wide range of food products throughout the entire food chain from farm to table, comprising both research activities and research-based consulting and teaching. The institute prevents illness and promote heath, developing new and better foods for the growing population and creates sustainable technological solutions. Institute tasks are solved in a unik cross disciplinary cooperation in e.g. nutrition, chemistry, toxicology, microbiology, epidemiology, modelling and technology.

Technology for people

DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear misision to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,400 students and 5,800 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.