Associate Professor or Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Neutron-Based Research of Colloidal

Associate Professor or Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Neutron-Based Research of Colloidal Systems in Food Science

The Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, invites applications for a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor or Associate Professor position focused on Neutron-Based Research of Colloidal Systems in Food Science. This position is part of the ESS Lighthouse: Colloids and Interfaces in Food and Pharma (CaIFF).

Overview

The work will be carried out within CaIFF, a Center focusing on colloidal out-of-equilibrium multicomponent systems, their investigation by neutron-based methodologies, and their application in food and pharma. The position is anchored at the Department of Food Science and is a joint position with the Niels Bohr Institute. The candidate will interact with colleagues at both institutes and have access to facilities affiliated with both departments. The appointment is available from 1 April 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Position Description

As Tenure-Track Assistant Professor or Associate Professor, you will develop research within the Center using neutron-based and other state-of-the-art physicochemical methods to investigate non-equilibrium multicomponent colloidal systems relevant to food material science. The work will cover experimental neutron techniques, design and development of new experimental setups, including deuteration methods, and advanced data analysis with simulations and mathematical modeling. The position is jointly hosted by the Department of Food Science and the Niels Bohr Institute, with collaboration across centers and external partners.

Essential Experience and Skills

• You have obtained a relevant PhD degree or equivalent.
• You are experienced in neutron- and/or X-ray-based methodologies.
• You have experience with modeling and advanced data analysis of scattering data.
• You are experienced in physicochemical studies of soft matter and/or food colloids using such methodologies.
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams.
• Excellent English skills, written and spoken.

Preferred Qualifications

The optimal candidate has expertise in small-angle scattering techniques, including advanced data modelling and interpretation, and possibly QENS, reflectometry, and imaging. A strong background in soft matter and experimental colloid science, preferably with systems relevant to food science, is desirable.

Tenure-Track Assistant Professor – Duties

Primary focus on research, including publication and scientific communication, and research-based teaching with associated examination obligations within the Department of Food Science. Other duties may be assigned as appropriate. The candidate should demonstrate internationally competitive research and potential to make future impact. Teaching qualifications are considered but not mandatory.

Associate Professor – Duties

Responsibilities include the applicant’s own research, development of the field, grant applications, research management (supervision and training of researchers and staff), teaching, supervision, examinations, and other tasks requested by the Department. Documented teaching qualifications and an ability to reflect on teaching practice are required.

Assessment and Merits

Assessments will consider international-level research output, external funding potential, and teaching qualifications. For tenure-track positions, performance will be followed via yearly evaluations and mid-term/final international evaluations, with promotion to associate professor if criteria are met after six years.

Qualifications Criteria

The University of Copenhagen applies six merit criteria for assistant professor and associate professor appointments: research, teaching, societal impact, organizational contribution, external funding, and leadership. Applicants will be assessed according to the specific job advertisement requirements.

Terms of Employment

The position is open from 1 April 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter and is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff. Salary and terms follow the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Salary negotiations are possible. The University values diversity and invites all qualified candidates to apply.

Application Details

The application must be submitted in English electronically via APPLY NOW. You may apply for the tenure-track assistant professorship or the associate professorship, or both (separate applications required).

• Curriculum vitae including information on external funding and international activities
• Diplomas (Master and PhD or equivalent)
• Research plan describing current and future research
• Description and documentation of teaching experience and qualifications
• Complete publication list and separate reprints of up to five particularly relevant papers

• For the tenure-track assistant professorship: include descriptions of international networks, positions at universities/research institutions outside Denmark, outreach activities, and grants held

Deadline for applications: 6 November 2025, 23:59 GMT+1

For information about the recruitment process, see the University of Copenhagen recruitment page. Interviews will be held on 4 March 2026.

Contacts

Please contact Associate Professor Jacob Kirkensgaard ( ) with questions about the Center, or Head of Department Colin Ray ( ) with questions about the Department.

Application deadline: • Employment start: • Working hours: Full time • Department/Location: Department of Food Science

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU). See additional information at the department and institute websites listed in the original announcement for context.

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