PhD Position in Plant-based Food Storage Systems, Aarhus University, Denmark

Summary

Aarhus University invites applications for a PhD fellowship focused on improving the early detection of mold growth in stored plant-based foods using volatile organic compound (VOC) monitoring. This research aims to enhance food safety and quality while reducing food waste in storage systems.

PhD Position in VOC-based Detection of Incipient Mold Growth in Plant-based Food Storage Systems, Denmark

Designation

PhD Position

Research Area

Food Science

Location

Department of Food Science
Aarhus University
Agro Food Park 48, 8200 Aarhus N., Denmark

Eligibility/Qualification

Applicants must possess:

• A 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.
• An interest in mycology and toxicology.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken), along with strong writing and communication skills.
• A passion for plant-based foods.

Job Description

• Core Elements of the Project:

1. Identification of VOC fingerprints at trace concentration levels across diverse plant-based foods using headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS).
2. Investigation of interactions between plant-based foods, mold species, mycotoxins, and VOC release.
3. Identification of key VOC markers for industrial applications in early mold detection systems.
4. Monitoring the dynamic release of VOC markers during mold development using proton transfer reaction–mass spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS).
5. Participation in in situ studies at commercial companies across Denmark and collaboration with Danish and international project partners.

• Objective: Advance the technology readiness level of VOC-based detection of mold growth and support the development of cost-effective sensor solutions for real-time monitoring in food storage systems.

How to Apply

Submit your application via the link under “how to apply” on the Aarhus University website. Include a project description, which can be copied from this post, as a PDF.

Last Date to Apply

Application Deadline: 19 May 2026 at 23:59

Preferred Starting Date: 01 July 2026

Contacts

For more information, contact:

• Merete Edelenbos: merete.edelenbos@food.au.dk
• Alexandru Luca: luca@food.au.dk

Link