About the position

The Department of Biotechnology and Food Science at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology announces an open position as Associate Professor within the field of Food Chemistry.

The Department has a national role and responsibility for research and teaching in biotechnology and food science and a wide range of expertise. We have a special responsibility of teaching in the disciplines of biochemistry and microbiology. The scientific activity is organized in the four main areas of Biopolymers and Biomaterials, Food Science, Microbial Biotechnology, and Analysis and Control of Microbial Systems. The department focuses on developing integrated research groups where researchers and lecturers within related fields can establish strong research and teaching units. The Department of Biotechnology and Food Science is the host for the national center for biotechnology training, research and innovation: Center for Digital Life Norway https://www.ntnu.edu/dln.

The successful candidate will join the Food Science Division. The Food Science Division is responsible for bachelor- and master programme in food science, we offer master projects related to food science to students at several master programmes in engineering and natural science. The research activity is mainly linked to marine food production, quality and safety.

The announced position is partly a gift from Nutrimar AS.

The position reports to the Head of Department.

Work description

• The position will have specific responsibility for teaching and research in the field of food chemistry with specific emphasis on the chemistry and biochemistry of marine food resources and its side streams.
• The first five years of this position is funded by Nutrimar AS. It is therefore expected that the position will play a central role in a current project on “Increased sustainability in salmon farming by increased use of rest raw materials in fish feed”.
• It is expected that the associate professor will initiate new research programs and engage extensively in applications for external research funding, e.g. from the Research Council of Norway, European research and educational agencies, the industry sector, and other available resources.

Qualification requirements

The successful candidate has a proven record in Food Chemistry.

Knowledge in process-induced chemical changes along the food value chain will be appreciated.

The position requires university education at doctoral level and demonstrable academic excellence in the relevant subject area.

Emphasis will be placed on publication of research results in recognized international journals within the subject area. Furthermore, emphasis will be placed on ability and experience in initiating and leading research and development of the field of area. Documented ability to obtain external funding for research is desirable. Particular focus will be placed on academic work during the past five years, excluding statutory leave.

Other requirements:

The successful applicant will be expected to deliver high-quality teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and undertake supervision of master’s and doctoral candidates. Evaluation of these skills will be based on documented experience and relevant teaching qualifications. Applicants with teaching experience at university level are preferred. Quality and breadth of the teaching qualifications will be evaluated. 

Those who do not have formal qualifications in teaching at university level and who cannot provide documentation of equivalent qualifications must complete an approved pedagogical development programme within two years of appointment.

It is a prerequisite that within three years of appointment, new employees who do not speak a Scandinavian language can demonstrate skills in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language equivalent to level three in the course for Norwegian for speakers of other languages at the Department of Language and Literature at NTNU.

Please see the Regulations concerning appointment and promotion to teaching and research posts for general criteria for the position. NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA.

Personal characteristics

• Independent and structured
• Collaborative
• Good relationship with students
• Creative
• Strong motivation to contribute to good working and social environment

In the assessment of the best qualified applicant, we will emphasize education, experience and personal suitability as well as your motivation for the position.

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

The position as Associate Professor comes with a starting package for new research staff, opportunities for mentoring and is remunerated according to the Norwegian State salary scale. From the salary, 2 % is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. Members of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund are offered a generous pension for life and access to favorable housing loan and insurance schemes.

Appointment takes place on the terms that apply to State employees at any time, and after the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work. 

It is required that the newly appointed member of staff takes up residence in Trondheim or nearby. Norway, like other Scandinavian countries, has generous rules for both maternity and paternity leave. 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 (http://trondheim.com/). Having a population of 200,000, Trondheim is a small city by international standards with low crime rates and little pollution. It also has easy access to a beautiful countryside with mountains and a dramatic coastline.

About the application

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English.

The application must include:

• CV, certificates and diplomas
• Academic works - published or unpublished - that you would like to be considered in the assessment (up to 10 works)
• A description of the academic works that you regard as most relevant and that you particularly want to be considered in the assessment
• Name and address of three referees
• A research statement (max 5 pages) describing the importance of the applicant’s scholarship, outline opportunities to positively impact the discipline, and describe plans for initial grant applications.
• Details of teaching qualifications based on "Documentation of applicant’s teaching qualifications in connection with appointment to an academic position at NTNU”
• Details of the projects you have managed, with information about funding, duration and size

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.

Your application will be considered by an expert committee and the most suitable applicants will be invited to interview and to deliver a lecture.

General information

NTNU human resources policy objectives emphasize diversity and equality. Moreover, the Department of Biotechnology and Food Science actively pursues diversity and gender balance for a good scientific environment. Therefore, all qualified applicants regardless of their gender, functional ability, national or ethnic background are strongly encouraged to apply.

Under the Freedom of Information Act (offentleglova), information about the applicant may be made public even if the applicant has requested not to have their name entered on the list of applicants.

More information about the Department and the open position can be obtained from associate professor Jørgen Lerfall, e-mail: jorgen.lerfall@ntnu.no or Head of Department Kjetil Rasmussen, e-mail: kjetil.rasmussen@ntnu.no

Submit your application with your CV, diplomas and certificates via jobbnorge.no. Applicants who have been short-listed will be invited for interviews and a demonstration of their pedagogical ability, usually in the form of a trial lecture. Short-listed applicants will also present a seminar outlining their current research and future research plans. Applicants invited for interview must bring certified copies of certificates and diplomas. Mark the application with reference number: xx/19

Deadline for applications: 01.05.2020

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.

The Faculty of Natural Sciences

The Faculty of Natural Sciences is a key player in national and international research and education programmes in natural sciences and technology. Our research focuses on global challenges in the areas of energy, climate, the environment, food, water, health and welfare. The Faculty consists of eight departments as well as the Faculty Administration.

Deadline 1st May 2020
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Permanent