Post a aimsiú
Aimsigh an post ceart duitse as na mílte deiseanna atá ar fáil ar fud na hEorpa. Is é EURES - an Tairseach Eorpach um Shoghluaisteacht ó Phost go Chéile - a chuireann na torthaí cuardaigh ar fáil.
About the position
The Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science (KBM) at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) has a vacant 3‑year PhD position in food microbiology and fermentation process science, linked to the research group SciFood: Food Quality and Sustainability.
Modern food processing urgently needs solutions that ensure food safety while reducing food waste. Bioprotective cultures are increasingly used in fermented foods to inhibit spoilage organisms and pathogens, yet their performance varies across substrates and processing conditions. To fully exploit their potential, we need deeper mechanistic knowledge of how processing modulates the functionality of these food‑grade bacteria.
The goal of this PhD project is to investigate how food processing modulates the bioprotective performance and functionality of different starter cultures used in food production. The work will combine advanced proteomics, molecular microbiology with food fermentation models and pilot‑scale validation at the FoodPilotPlant Norway (link).
The applicant is made aware that an application for a PhD position at NMBU is at the same time an application for admission to a PhD programme at the institution. The documentation that is necessary to ensure that the admission requirements are met must be uploaded as an attachment.
Main tasks
- To characterize the bioprotective potential of selected bacterial strains in food-relevant substrates.
- To investigate how processing conditions affect bioprotective mechanisms.
- To identify molecular and regulatory drivers of antimicrobial activity, robustness, and functional stability.
- To validate enhanced bioprotective performance in pilot-scale fermented food systems at FoodPilotPlant Norway.
- To publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at international scientific conferences.
The successful candidate is expected to enroll in an approved PhD programme, and the work will be organized with the goal of completing a PhD degree during the period of employment.
Competence
To be eligible for the position, the candidate must meet the requirements for admission to one of the PhD programmes at NMBU.
Admission to a PhD programme requires that the applicant has a relevant academic background; a master's degree, a cand.med.vet. degree, or an equivalent qualification, in accordance with the descriptions in the national qualifications framework. The applicant must have a documented strong academic background relevant to the position and be able to demonstrate proficiency in English, both written and spoken. For more detailed information about the admission criteria, PhD Regulations and the relevant PhD programme description.
Required qualifications
- Relevant academic education at a higher degree level from a university or college (a master's degree, a cand.med.vet. degree, or an equivalent qualification) within food science, biotechnology, microbiology, molecular biology, or closely related fields.
- Good presentation skills, written and oral, in English
- Coursework or practical experience in microbiology, molecular biology, or food fermentation.
- Master’s grades: GPA B or better; thesis grade B or better.
Qualifications considered an advantage
- Experience with fermentation, starter cultures, or food processing
- Experience with proteomics, omics data, or bioinformatics.
- Experience in food analysis or microbial physiology.
Personal qualities
We are looking for a candidate who:[SH1]
- Is curious, motivated, and genuinely interested in scientific research.
- Works independently and systematically, with strong problem‑solving abilities.
- Has good social and collaborative skills and enjoys interdisciplinary teamwork.
- Is accurate with good practical laboratory skills.
- We expect that the candidate will aim to publish in high‑quality international journals.
Remuneration and further information
The position is placed in position code 1017 PhD. Fellow, (NOK 550 800). Seniority promotion in the position.
Admission to a PhD program is a prerequisite for appointment to the PhD scholarship position.
Employment is conducted according to national guidelines for University and Technical College PhD scholars, and in accordance with the Civil Servant Act, the Security Act, and the Export Control Act.
Interested in learning more about the position? We are happy to tell you more about life on campus. Contact associated professor Davide Porcellato, phone: +47 67232541, e-mail: davide.porcellato@nmbu.no
Information for PhD applicants and general Information to applicants
Application
Send application electronically via the link "Apply for this job" at the top of this page. This will route you to the University's Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.
Application Deadline: 20/04/2026
Your CV must be entered in Jobbnorge's CV form and not just included as an attachment. This is in order to be able to comply with the regulations to the Public Administration Act §15.
In the application, the candidate must confirm that information and documentation (in the form of attachments) submitted via the job application can also be used by NMBU in a possible admission process.
Applicants invited for an interview are expected to present original diplomas and certificates.
The following documents must be attached to the application:
- Motivation letter (please note that applications that lack a motivation letter clearly stating why the candidate is qualified and motivated for this particular project will be disregarded)
- CV
- Certified copies of relevant academic diplomas and certificates. (i.e. Diploma, transcript. Diploma supplement for both bachelor and master). Diplomas, transcripts and diploma supplements that are not in Norwegian or English must be uploaded in the original language. An English translation of these documents must also be attached.
- Applicants from universities outside Norway are kindly requested to send a diploma supplement, or a similar document, which describes in detail the study program and grading system.
- Documentation of proficiency in written and oral English in accordance with Forskrift for graden philosophiae doctor (ph.d.) ved Norges miljø- og biovitenskapelige universitet - Lovdata
- Additional relevant documentation of professional knowledge (for example, list of scientific works). If it is difficult to judge the applicant’s contribution for publications with multiple authors, a short description of the applicant’s contribution must be included.
Documents that cannot be sent electronically are sent in triplicate by ordinary mail marked 26/03444 to NMBU, Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, within 20.04.26.
About The Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science
The Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science (KBM) has about 180 employees, 80 PhD students and 500 BSc and MSc students. The faculty has 11 research groups within chemistry and biochemistry, microbiology and microbial gene technology, bioinformatics and data analysis, food science and nutrition. The Faculty has a state-of-the-art infrastructure for research and education: A biorefinery lab, proteomics platform, fermentation lab, a murine facility, platform for studies of microbial regulation of GHG release and a small-scale pilot plant for processing of food, incl. a microbrewery. Additionally, KBM has a strong competence in enzymology, fermentation and biorefining. KBM aims at a strong research position and collaborates in networks and research projects both nationally and internationally.
For further information please follow this link: https://www.nmbu.no/en/faculty/kbm
Om arbeidsgiveren:
NMBU will contribute to securing the future of life through outstanding research, education, communication and innovation. We have the country's most satisfied university students, who receive research-based education in a unique student environment. Our graduates gain a high level of competence in interdisciplinary collaboration and are popular in the labor market.
NMBU has internationally leading research environments in several subjects. Together with our partners in society and business, we contribute to solving some of the biggest societal challenges of our time. We focus on innovation, communication and entrepreneurship because we believe these challenges are best solved with joint efforts. We believe that a good working environment is characterized by diversity.If necessary, workplace adaptations will be made for persons with disabilities. More information about NMBU is available at www.nmbu.no/en
About the position
The Department of Plant Science, Faculty of BioSciences at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) has a vacant three-year PhD-position with the project title “PFAS Pollution as a Threat to Safe Food: Understanding PFAS dynamics in vegetables - Uptake, Translocation, and Physiological responses”. The PhD-student will be connected to the NFR financed project “PFAS in Agriculture: Risks and Mitigation (PFARM)” led by NIVA (2026-2029). One important aim of the PFARM-project is to make a risk assessment for PFAS for Norwegian conditions. The data from the PhD-student will focus on the understanding of uptake mechanisms of PFAS and lay the foundation for the risk assessment that will primarily be done by NIVA.
Per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence and tendency to bioaccumulate, represent a growing global concern. Their accumulation in water, soil, biota, and plant‑based foods poses a significant threat to food safety. This PhD project will generate new insights into PFAS behavior under Northern environmental conditions and in vegetable species relevant for Northern food production.
The primary objective is to characterize PFAS uptake patterns in selected vegetable crops and to identify the key factors governing these patterns, including climatic conditions, soil properties, and plant species or organ specificity. Targeted PFAS analyses will be carried out using high‑resolution LC/QTOF mass spectrometry at the NIVA laboratory to determine PFAS concentrations in plant tissues. Additionally, the project will investigate plant physiological responses to PFAS exposure, including growth, photosynthesis, and protective mechanisms.
The applicant is made aware that an application for a PhD position at NMBU is at the same time an application for admission to a PhD programme at the institution. The documentation that is necessary to ensure that the admission requirements are met must be uploaded as an attachment.
Main tasks
- Conduct controlled-environment experiments using different vegetable species and varying climate and soil conditions.
- Perform growth analysis and gas‑exchange measurements to assess photosynthesis, transpiration, and overall plant performance.
- Analyze plant samples for PFAS using high‑resolution LC/QTOF mass spectrometry.
- Carry out metabolite profiling to gain physiological insight into how food plants respond to PFAS exposure.
The successful candidate is expected to enter a plan for the progress of the work towards a PhD degree during the first months of the appointment, with a view to completing a doctorate within the PhD scholarship period.
Competence
The successful applicant must meet the conditions defined for admission to a PhD programme at NMBU. The applicant must have an academically relevant education corresponding to a five-year master’s degree with a learning outcome corresponding to the descriptions in the Norwegian Qualification Framework, second cycle. The applicant must have a documented strong academic background relevant to the position and be able to document proficiency in both written and oral English. For more detailed information on the admission criteria please see the PhD Regulations and the relevant PhD programme description.
The applicant must document expertise and interest in the research subject.
Required Academic qualifications
- Master’s degree in plant physiology, plant science, plant biology, general biology, soil and water science, or related fields
- Knowledge of and/or experience in plant research and/or soil science
- Knowledge and/or interest in chemical or biochemical analysis
- Documented scientific writing skills in English
- Candidates finishing their education in the spring/summer of 2026 can also apply, but must provide documentation of their degree before employment
The following experiences and skills will be emphasized:
- Knowledge of and/or experience with controlled environment plant research and methods including growth analysis and gas exchange measurements
- Knowledge and/or interest in whole plant physiology (from soil to plant)
- Good computational skills and a working knowledge of programming in R
- Significant contribution to scientific publication(s)
- Documented skill in public communication
- Good problem-solving capability and critical thinking
You need to:
- Be willing to work both independently and as part of a team, also interdisciplinary
- Bring your own creativity to the project
- Be motivated to learn new skills
Remuneration and further information
The position is placed in government pay scale position code 1017 PhD Fellow and is remunerated with a starting annual salary of NOK 550,800.
Employment is conducted according to national guidelines for University and Technical College PhD scholars.
For further information, please contact Professor Sissel Torre
E-mail: sissel.torre@nmbu.no; phone +47 47602672
Information for PhD applicants and general information to applicants
Application
To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the 'Apply for this job' button above. This will route you to the University's Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.
Application deadline: 08.04.2026
Your CV must be entered in JobbNorge's CV form and not just included as an attachment. This is to be able to comply with the regulations of §15 of the Public Administration Act.
In the application, the candidate must confirm that information and documentation (in the form of attachments) submitted via the job application can also be used by NMBU in a possible admission process.
Applicants invited for an interview are expected to present original diplomas and certificates.
The following documents must be attached to the application:
- Motivation letter (maximum 1 page)
- Complete CV
- Certified copies of academic diplomas and certificates. (i.e. Diploma, transcript. Diploma supplement for both bachelor and master). Diplomas, transcripts and diploma supplements that are not in Norwegian or English must be uploaded in the original language. An English translation of these documents must also be attached.
- Applicants from universities outside Norway are kindly requested to send a diploma supplement, or a similar document, which describes in detail the study program and grading system.
- Documentation of proficiency in written and oral English in accordance with NMBU PhD regulation section 5-2 (3).
- Names and contact details for two references
- Additional relevant documentation of professional knowledge (for example, list of scientific works). If it is difficult to judge the applicant’s contribution for publications with multiple authors, a short description of the applicant’s contribution must be included.
About The Faculty of Biosciences
The Faculty of Biosciences (BIOVIT) aims to shape the future of food and bioproduction through teaching and research in biology and sustainable production and use of plants, livestock and fish. The faculty has a large project portfolio and an annual turnover of approximately NOK 250 million.
BIOVIT is organized into seven research groups: Genome Biology, Breeding, Genetics and Food Production Systems, Ruminant Nutrition and Physiology, Ethology and Animal Welfare, Nutrition and Physiology for Monogastric Animals, Plant Biology, Sustainable Food Systems and Integrated Plant Protection, and Genetics, Evolution and Sustainable Plant Production. Additionally, the faculty has seven research support and laboratory units.
BIOVIT is responsible for bachelor’s and master’s programs in aquaculture, biology, animal science, and plant science, as well as English-language master’s programs in Agroecology, Plant Sciences, Feed Manufacturing Technology, and Genome Sciences. BIOVIT also offers Ph.D. programs in animal science and plant science. Currently, the faculty has about 550 bachelor’s and master’s students and 90 Ph.D. students. BIOVIT employs approximately 230 staff members and has its own faculty administration.
Om arbeidsgiveren:
NMBU will contribute to securing the future of life through outstanding research, education, communication and innovation. We have the country's most satisfied university students, who receive research-based education in a unique student environment. Our graduates gain a high level of competence in interdisciplinary collaboration and are popular in the labor market.
NMBU has internationally leading research environments in several subjects. Together with our partners in society and business, we contribute to solving some of the biggest societal challenges of our time. We focus on innovation, communication and entrepreneurship because we believe these challenges are best solved with joint efforts. We believe that a good working environment is characterized by diversity.If necessary, workplace adaptations will be made for persons with disabilities. More information about NMBU is available at www.nmbu.no/en
About the position
At the Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science (KBM) at NMBU, we have a position as a postdoctoral position in Food Processing within the SciFood research group for the duration of 4 years. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a rapidly developing field at a time when the Norwegian food industry is undergoing major transformation. Meeting the UN Sustainability Goals, reducing food waste, lowering water and energy use, and responding to new consumption patterns all demand research, creative thinking and technological innovation. With this position, we aim to strengthen our research, innovation and teaching activities in Food Processing, and we are looking for a candidate eager to work on challenges identified in close collaboration with the Norwegian food industry.
The research plan will be defined by the postdoctoral fellow together with the SciFood research group and food industry partners. The work may involve increased resource utilisation, reducing raw material and food waste and environmental impact, or enabling the sustainable processing of healthy and safe foods. The position will play a key role in supervising Master’s and PhD students and in generating new research-based insights and innovative solutions that help train, educate and build capacity across the Norwegian food system.
KBM hosts the National Infrastructure on Food Processing (FoodPilotPlant Norway), which includes a state of the art Dairy Plant, a Brewery and a Bioreffinery at KBM, as well as pilot plants for plant, meat and fish processing located at Nofima on Campus Ås. Alongside the filtration facilities in the FoodPilotPlant Faculty of Science and Technology offers an advanced membrane filtration laboratory (MemLab), giving the postdoctoral fellow access to a broad and modern pilot plant research infrastructure. At NMBU we have access to state-of the art analytical platforms.
This university-funded position is strategically important to NMBU and is part of a vibrant research environment consisting of professors, engineers, PhD candidates and Master’s students, primarily connected to the SciFood research group. As a member of this team, the successful candidate will take part in shaping the future of food processing research in Norway.
Main tasks
The main purpose of this post-doctoral position is to qualify for work in high-level scientific positions. A Ph.D. degree is required.
- Perform research in food processing according to a research plan defined by the postdoctoral fellow together with the SciFood research group and food industry partners. The research will focus on resource utilisation, reducing raw material waste and environmental impact, enabling sustainable processing of healthy and safe foods.
- Write scientific publications.
- Teach on Food Processing courses:Food Processing II (MVI261) and Food Processing III (MVI361) (25 % of the fixed term period)
- The position will play a key role in co-supervising Master’s and PhD students in food processing.
Contribute to capacity-building courses for the Norwegian food industry.
Competence
Required qualifications:
- A Norwegian doctoral degree in the relevant subject area, or an equivalent foreign doctoral degree approved as equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree.
- Research experience and expertise in food processing.
- The candidate must be able to teach unit operations within food processing at bachelor’s and master’s level.
- Good presentation skills in a Norwegian/Scandinavian language and English, both written and oral.
Qualifications considered an advantage:
- Competence in separation techniques used in food processing and/or alternatives to heat treatments would be of particular interest.
- Experience with bioprocesses
- Experience with relevant analytical methods.
- Experience with data analysis.
- Industrial experience or experience of conducting research in collaboration with the food industry.
- Experience with research-based innovation activities.
- Experience with teaching at bachelor and master level.
Personal qualities:
- Ability and willingness to initiate, plan and conduct research projects.
- Ability to take the initiative and work systematically and efficiently, both independently and as a part of a team.
- Ability to approach research challenges in a creative way
- Strong motivation for academic writing
- Interest and motivation in teaching and teaching development.
- Good communication and dissemination skills.
- Positive and solution oriented.
Remuneration and further information
The position is placed in position code 1352 Postdoctoral Fellow (NOK 604 900 - 796 600) depending on qualifications. The position follows ordinary meriting regulations.
Interested in learning more about the position? We are happy to tell you more about life on campus. Contact Professor: Siv Skeie, phone: +47 97189324, e-mail: siv.skeie@nmbu.no.
General Information to applicants
Application
Send application electronically via the link "Apply for this job" at the top of this page. This will route you to the University's Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.
Application Deadline: 7th of April 2026
Your CV must be entered directly into Jobbnorge’s CV form and cannot be submitted solely as an attachment. This requirement ensures compliance with the Public Administration Act §15.
Documents that cannot be sent electronically are sent in triplicate by ordinary mail marked still.nr. 26/02823 to NMBU, Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, within 7th of April 2026.
The following must be included in the application:
- Cover and motivation letter. Please note that applications that lack a motivation letter clearly stating why the candidate is qualified and motivated for this particular project will be disregarded
- Reflection note (1-2 pages) on the research you would like to perform.
- CV
- Certified copies of academic diplomas and other relevant certificates
- Up to ten publications selected by the applicant as most relevant must be attached to the application. If it is difficult to identify the contribution of the applicant in multiple-author publications, a short explanation about the applicant’s part of the work is suggested.
- Names and contact details for two references.
Applicants invited for an interview will be asked to present verified copies of diplomas and certificates.
About The Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science
The Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science (KBM) has about 180 employees, 80 PhD students and 500 BSc and MSc students. The faculty has 11 research groups within chemistry and biochemistry, microbiology and microbial gene technology, bioinformatics and data analysis, food science and nutrition. The Faculty has a state-of-the-art infrastructure for research and education: A biorefinery lab, proteomics platform, fermentation lab, a murine facility, platform for studies of microbial regulation of GHG release and a small-scale pilot plant for processing of food, incl. a microbrewery. Additionally, KBM has a strong competence in enzymology, fermentation and biorefining. KBM aims at a strong research position and collaborates in networks and research projects both nationally and internationally.
For further information please follow this link: https://www.nmbu.no/en/faculty/kbm
Om arbeidsgiveren:
NMBU will contribute to securing the future of life through outstanding research, education, communication and innovation. We have the country's most satisfied university students, who receive research-based education in a unique student environment. Our graduates gain a high level of competence in interdisciplinary collaboration and are popular in the labor market.
NMBU has internationally leading research environments in several subjects. Together with our partners in society and business, we contribute to solving some of the biggest societal challenges of our time. We focus on innovation, communication and entrepreneurship because we believe these challenges are best solved with joint efforts. We believe that a good working environment is characterized by diversity.If necessary, workplace adaptations will be made for persons with disabilities. More information about NMBU is available at www.nmbu.no/en