PhD Fellowship in Precision Nutrition, Metabolomics, and Bioinformatics

Introduction:
The University of Copenhagen, as part of the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA), is excited to offer a PhD position in the field of Precision Nutrition, Metabolomics, and Bioinformatics. This is a unique opportunity for a Doctoral Candidate (DC) to embark on a 36-month journey, commencing no later than April 1, 2024, with full funding from Horizon Europe.

The NUTRIOME Project:
The NUTRIOME project is part of the MSCA Doctoral Network and brings together academic partners from nine European institutions, along with six associated partners from various countries. The project aims to train 10 Doctoral Candidates (DCs) in data-driven precision nutrition. The training will include conducting human intervention studies, utilizing omics-technologies, and performing advanced data analyses to evaluate individual responses to foods and diets.

Key Details:

• Start Date: No later than April 1, 2024
• Duration: 36 months

Project Description:
The DC will be immersed in the field of Metabolomics, which combines analytical chemistry, biochemistry, and bioinformatics to understand biological system perturbations and interactions. The role will be multifaceted, involving:

1. Integrating data from previously conducted dietary intervention studies, focused on large-scale nutrition, microbiome, and metabolomics, to comprehend personal responses to meals and diets.
2. Conducting untargeted liquid chromatography mass spectrometry-based metabolomics on plasma samples collected during a novel precision nutrition meal intervention study within the NUTRIOME consortium. This study will investigate the effects of fish, meat, and plant-based meals on the plasma metabolome.

Research Environment:
The PhD student will work within the Nutrition, Microbiome & Metabolomics Group at the Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen. The group is located in the heart of Copenhagen and conducts research on the impact of diets and foods on digestion, gut microbiome, and metabolism. It is dedicated to advancing precision nutrition strategies and health improvement. The research group collaborates with leading clinical, microbiome, and metabolomics researchers, contributing to scientific excellence.

Supervisors:

• Principal Supervisor: Associate Professor Henrik Munch Roager (Email: hero@nexs.ku.dk)
• Co-Supervisors: Assistant Professor Jan Stanstrup (Email: jst@nexs.ku.dk) and Professor Lars Dragsted (Email: ldra@nexs.ku.dk)

Qualifications and Requirements:

Required Qualifications:

• The candidate must have completed a degree program equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) in fields related to the project (e.g., Bioinformatics, Biology, Microbiology, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Science, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Human Nutrition, or related areas).
• Proficiency in both spoken and written English.
• Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria of the MSCA Doctoral Network, which includes not having resided or carried out their primary activity in Denmark for more than 12 months in the 36 months before starting the employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Self-motivation and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• A curious and creative mindset with a strong drive.
• Experience with liquid chromatography and/or mass spectrometry.
• Proficiency in bioinformatics, data analysis (especially omics-data analyses), and programming in R.
• Experience in human nutrition studies.

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Application and Assessment Procedure:

• Applications and attachments must be submitted electronically in English by clicking the “APPLY NOW” button.
• Required documents include a motivated letter of application (max one page), a curriculum vitae with details about education, experience, language skills, and other relevant skills, original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science, along with transcripts of records (including authorized English translations if in another language), a publication list (if available), and reference letters (if available).

Application Deadline: November 19, 2023, at 23:59 GMT+2.

Assessment and Interviews:

• After the application deadline, a group of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert.
• The assessor will evaluate qualifications, experiences, and suitability for the research area.
• Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in December 2023.

Questions:
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact Associate Professor Henrik Munch Roager at hero@nexs.ku.dk.

General Information:
For general information about PhD study at the Faculty of Science, visit the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.

The University of Copenhagen encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and is committed to promoting research and teaching at the highest international standards.

Important Dates:

• Application Deadline: November 19, 2023
• Employment Start: April 1, 2024
• Working Hours: Full-time
• Department/Location: Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports