Summary
Aarhus University invites applications for a PhD fellowship within the Food Science programme, focusing on the early detection of mold growth in stored plant-based foods through volatile organic compound (VOC) monitoring.
PhD Position: VOC-Based Detection of Early Mold Growth in Plant-Based Food Storage Systems at Aarhus University, Denmark
Designation
PhD Fellowship/Scholarship
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Research Area | Food Science |
| Location | Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Agro Food Park 48, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark |
| Salary | According to applicable collective agreement |
| Preferred Start Date | 01 July 2026 or later |
Eligibility/Qualification
- Relevant Master’s degree (120 ECTS) in Food Science, Analytical Chemistry, Mycology, or related fields.
- Strong analytical skills, particularly in VOC analysis using GC-MS/PTR-MS.
- Interest in mycology, toxicology, or related research areas.
- Fluency in English (both written and spoken).
- Good writing and communication skills.
- Interest in plant-based foods.
Job Description
This PhD project addresses critical challenges in food safety and quality preservation. The selected candidate will:
- Identify VOC fingerprints at trace concentration levels from diverse plant-based foods (grains, legumes, nuts, coffee, fresh fruits, and vegetables) using headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS).
- Investigate the interaction between plant-based foods, mold species, mycotoxins, and VOC release.
- Identify key VOC markers for industrial application in mold detection.
- Monitor the dynamic release of VOC markers during mold development using proton transfer reaction–mass spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS).
- Participate in in situ studies at commercial companies across Denmark and collaborate with Danish and international project partners.
How to Apply
- Applicants should submit their applications through this link (Please refer to the application guide for detailed requirements and mandatory attachments).
- A project description (copy of the project description provided above) must be uploaded as a PDF.
Last Date for Apply
19 May 2026 at 23:59
For further information regarding the position, applicants can contact:
- Merete Edelenbos (Main Supervisor): merete.edelenbos@food.au.dk
- Alexandru Luca (Co-Supervisor): luca@food.au.dk
Aarhus University encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply, promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.
