About the position

We have a vacancy for a PhD fellow within Food Science in the area of foods of plant origin.

The PhD position is available within the Food Science division at the Department of Biotechnology and Food Science. The project will be related to the research about bioactive compounds that are could be found in plants with emphasis on the utilization of by-products.

The overall aim of the PhD project will be to increase the knowledge from the fields of bioactive compounds found in red vegetables either in their edible parts or by-products from their processing. Phytonutrients that are responsible for their red color have powerful health benefits but are prone to degradation during processing and storage. The PhD candidate will work with various methods of extraction and processing technologies that aim to protect chemical substances like betalains, carotenoids, anthocyanins, polyphenols, flavonoids, saponins.

You will report to Associate Professor Marcin A. Kurek

Duties of the position

• The candidate is expected to actively cooperate with other staff and PhD fellows working at Department of Biotechnology and Food Science to gain new knowledge and new solutions to improve the quality of food
• The candidate is specifically responsible for planning and accomplishing research activity related to the specific PhD project
• The candidate is expected to actively disseminate results within the scientific group, to other PhD fellows and master students in the field, and to the society overall
• The candidate should take an active part of the Food Science division at Department of Biotechnology and Food Science

Required selection criteria

The PhD-position's main objective is to qualify for work in research positions. The qualification requirement is completion of a master’s degree or second degree (equivalent to 120 credits) with a strong academic background in food science, food processing, food technology, food engineering, food chemistry, food microbiology, biotechnology, vegetable biotechnology or equivalent education with a grade of B or better in terms of NTNU’s grading scale. Applicants with no letter grades from previous studies must have an equally good academic foundation. Applicants who are unable to meet these criteria may be considered only if they can document that they are particularly suitable candidates for education leading to a PhD degree.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants and national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant.

Other qualifications

• Candidates with experience from practical laboratory work relevant to the given project and/or specific analytical skills which fit the projects will be preferred
• Applicants should have good communication skills and be fluent in English, both orally and written
• Published papers with the candidate as author or co-author will be an advantage

Personal characteristics

• Problem-solving skills
• Cooperative
• Ambitious
• Organized

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability.

We offer

• exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment
• an open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
• favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• employee benefits

Salary and conditions

PhD candidates are remunerated in code 1017, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 479 600 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is 3 years with the possibility of 1 year extension with teaching duties.

Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in Biotechnology (https://www.ntnu.edu/studies/phbiot) within three months of employment, and that you participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU. After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution on a daily basis.

About the application

Publications and other scientific work must follow the application. Please note that applications are only evaluated based on the information available on the application deadline. You should ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria which are set out above. 

Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint works, you must attach a brief description of your participation.

General information

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background. 

The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the innovation capital of Norway with a population of 200,000. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality.

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA.

As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted.

Information Act (Offentleglova), your name, age, position and municipality may be made public even if you have requested not to have your name entered on the list of applicants.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Associate Professor Marcin A. Kurek, email: marcin.kurek@ntnu.no

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Diploma Supplement is required to attach for European Master Diplomas outside Norway. Chinese applicants are required to provide confirmation of Master Diploma from China Credentials Verification (CHSI).

If you are invited for interview you must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters. Together with the application we request up to one page “Personal motivation letter” for the  position.

Please refer to the application number NV-41/20  when applying.

Application deadline: 20.04.2020

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

Department of Biotechnology and Food Science

Our activities contribute to increased exploitation of existing and new ingredients for sustainable food production as well as next-generation energy solutions and medical technology. We educate graduates for a wide range of careers in industry, public administration and academia. The Department of Biotechnology and Food Science is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Natural Sciences.

Deadline 20th April 2020
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Trondheim