Postdoc in Dietary Protein Quality Assessment and Recommendations for Humans

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoc for a 4-year fixed-term position, starting 1 June 2026 or soon after in agreement with the Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports.

The position is embedded in the ReqProQ research project. The project examines protein requirements in human studies to reevaluate current recommendations for dietary protein intake, taking protein quality into consideration. The research questions are relevant in the sustainability-driven transformation towards more plant-based diets. The research project is funded by Novozymes A/S (part of Novonesis Group).

Information on the Department can be found at: https://nexs.ku.dk/english/research/.

Our research
The ReqProQ project addresses the prevailing assumption that the average dietary protein intake is of “good quality” by investigating how meals with relatively high versus low indispensable amino acid content influence estimated protein requirements, whole-body protein kinetics, and net protein balance.

You will join a collaborative and inclusive research group where independency, reliability and mutual helpfulness are personal skills highly appreciated. We share a genuine broad interest in human nutrition, with special emphasis on dietary protein. By conducting this project, you will contribute to expand the group’s competencies with stable isotope tracer methodologies in collaboration with a network of international and external colleagues and collaborators. 

Your job
Your main tasks will be to prepare, conduct, analyse and disseminate two randomized, controlled trials using stable isotope methodologies. One study will apply the Indicator Amino Acid Oxidation approach, and the other study is based on the whole-body protein turnover measurements. You will be in charge of - in collaboration with the project team and technicians - preparing study protocols, setting up laboratories for the human trials and conducting them as well as planning all analyses. Further, you will undertake lecturing, teaching and supervision of BSc and  MSc students relevant for your project. Through all this you will participate in the development of the department’s research portfolio in the area of dietary protein quality. The research project will be conducted in close collaboration with a project management group, and internal and external partners. A collaborative mindset is therefore essential.

Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and independent scientist with the following competencies and experience:

List of essential qualifications:

• You have a relevant PhD (Nutrition, Physiology, Medicine, Biology, Agronomy, or similar)
• Excellent English skills written and spoken

List of valuable experience and skills:

• You have practical experience with conducting human intervention trials
• You have research experience and interest in empirical assessment methods for evaluation of protein quality
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams

Desirable experience and skills:

• You have experience/knowledge of applying stable isotope methodology
• You have experience or a genuine interest in setting up new experimental methods bringing the field forward
• You have experience/knowledge in setting human nutrient requirements and dietary recommendations  
• While the work environment is English speaking, Danish language skills is an advantage though not a requirement for interaction with trial participants.

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include laboratories and facilities for human intervention trials.

Copenhagen is ranked among the most ‘livable’ cities in the world. More information is available from https://www.greatercphregion.com/live-and-work.

Terms of employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.  The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 4 years. The starting date is 1 June 2026 or after agreement.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 39,237/approx. 5,266 EUR (November 2025 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 18.07 % to your pension fund.

Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions, if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2025.

Questions
For further information please contact Professor Inge Tetens, e-mail: ite@nexs.ku.dk, phone: +45 51157480.

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

Application procedure

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
3. A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.
4. List of publications.

Deadline for applications: 15 March 2026, 23.59pm CET

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

Interviews are expected to be held in week 16

The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.