PhD Fellowship in Flavor Chemistry, Sensory Science, and Brewing Science – University of Copenhagen, Denmark

The Department of Food Science, Section of Food Design and Consumer Behavior, invites applications for a fully funded PhD fellowship in Flavor Chemistry, Sensory Science, and Brewing Science. The project aims to perform a chemical analysis of hop flavor attributes and develop new hop flavor mixtures for non-alcoholic beer. This opportunity is part of the research project “Exploiting hop aroma diversity to design new flavors for non-alcoholic beer,” funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark.

Project Details:

• Start Date: Expected to be early November 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.
• Location: Department of Food Science, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen.

Project Overview:
Non-alcoholic beer is often perceived as flat, bland, and lacking in sensory qualities. To address this, the addition of hop flavor compounds can offer a solution. However, the flavor chemistry of many hop sensory attributes remains unknown. The project will focus on method development to understand flavor compound interactions through GC-MS Recomposition-Olfactometry (GC-R). The aim is to break down unique aroma hop attributes into their chemical basis. The student will conduct experiments involving solvent-assisted flavor evaporation extraction (aSAFE) at the Leibniz-LSB Institute, Technical University of Munich, to extract hop aroma, comparing it with other extraction methods at the Department of Food Science.

The project will later focus on combining different flavor mixtures and investigating their compatibility in non-alcoholic beer matrix. Hop flavorist training at the BarthHass hop flavor academy is planned to facilitate this approach.

Qualifications:
Applicants should have a strong understanding of chemistry and a passion for working with flavor chemistry. Preference will be given to candidates with a strong track record of coursework in chemistry. Students making a shift of focus from an unrelated field should include a motivation for the shift in their application.

What We Offer:
The selected PhD student will be part of the Sensory Science and Consumer Behavior group in the Section of Food Design and Consumer Behavior. The group offers an ambitious, open, supportive, and collaborative environment. As a member of the section, the student will have the opportunity to participate in an international and social work environment alongside other PhD students, engaging in research discussions relevant to the field.

Application Procedure:
To apply, submit your application online by clicking APPLY NOW below. The application deadline is September 17, 2023, 23:59 CET.

Your application must include:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
2. Curriculum vitae, including information about your education, experience, language skills, and other relevant skills.
3. Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science, along with transcripts of records in the original language. Include an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, provide a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor.
4. Publication list (if possible).
5. Reference letters (if available).

Terms of Employment:

• Employment as a PhD fellow is full-time and for a maximum of 3 years.
• Successful applicants must enroll as PhD students at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen.

Contact Information:
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor, Professor Wender Bredie, and tenure-track assistant professor Sylvester Holt at the Department of Food Science (Sylvester.holt@food.ku.dk).

Learn More:
For general information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE, visit the PhD School’s website.

Join Our Academic Community:
The University of Copenhagen, part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. The University offers a rich academic tradition and a modern outlook, providing an ideal framework for a successful academic career.

Note:
Please ensure timely submission, as applications received after the deadline will not be considered.