18-Month Postdoctoral Fellowship in Sensory Science

**Postdoctoral Researcher - Sensory Science and Food Evaluation** The Department of Food Science at Aarhus University invites applications for an 18-month postdoctoral position in sensory science, focusing on sensory evaluation methodologies for large-product sets, lexicon development, instrumental techniques for sensory prediction, and multivariate data analysis. **About the Project** This position is part of an interdisciplinary research project funded by Plant2Food (Novo Nordisk Foundation), aimed at identifying and evaluating soybean accessions with high adaptability to Danish growing conditions. The project combines genomic, sensory, metabolomic, and consumer analyses to assess approximately 250 edamame bean accessions, evaluating attributes for consumer liking, purchase intent factors, and the relationship between genomic variation and sensory/metabolomic properties. The research aims to advance local edamame production to meet growing demand for fresh, nutritious, plant-based foods. Project objectives include identifying adaptable soybean accessions, evaluating their genetic background, and uncovering the genomic, metabolomic, and sensory architecture of edamame taste while understanding consumer preferences. **Position Overview** This role sits within both the Science Team of Differentiated and Biofunctional Foods and the Science Team of Food Quality Perception and Society, at the intersection of food science, sustainability, and consumer research. The position aligns with the Department's mission to support sustainable food systems through science-based innovation. **Expected Start Date:** April 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter **Key Responsibilities:** - Design and conduct large-scale sensory and consumer studies - Analyze and interpret sensory, consumer, and instrumental data - Evaluate consumer preferences and perceptions across various accessions - Use instrumental data to correlate and predict sensory and consumer insights - Collaborate within an interdisciplinary project team - Ensure compliance with GDPR, data security protocols, and ethical standards - Prepare ethical applications and contribute to data management plans - Publish in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and contribute to project deliverables - Engage with academic, industry, and policy stakeholders to disseminate findings **Required Qualifications:** - PhD in sensory science, consumer science, food science, food chemistry with sensory focus, or related discipline - Proven experience in panel leadership, sensory methodology, and data management - Strong statistical knowledge for sensory testing and consumer research - Proficiency in analytical software (XLSTAT, R, SPSS, or similar) - Multivariate data analysis skills (sensory, consumer, and instrumental data) - Excellent written and spoken English communication skills - Track record of peer-reviewed publications - Team-oriented approach with flexibility, adaptability, and project management skills **Preferred Qualifications:** - Familiarity with instrumental techniques (NMR, GC-MS) and general laboratory experience - Experience in interdisciplinary and/or industry-collaborative projects **What We Offer:** - Vibrant, international, interdisciplinary research environment at a leading European food science department - Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and collaboration with food structure, technology, and sustainability experts - Career development opportunities and international networking - Strong support for academic publishing and grant development - Junior Researcher Development Programme for postdoctoral career advancement - Comprehensive services for international researchers and families, including relocation assistance and career counseling **Location:** Agro Food Park 48, 8200 Aarhus N **Employment Area:** Aarhus University with related departments **Application Requirements:** Applications must be submitted in English and include: - Curriculum vitae - Degree certificate - Complete publications list - Statement of future research plans - Information about research activities - Teaching portfolio and verified teaching experience (if applicable) Applications must be submitted through Aarhus University's recruitment system. The selection process uses shortlisting, and all applicants will be notified of their application status. Salary is determined according to seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Aarhus University is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.