PhD Position in In Vitro Formation of N-Nitrosamines During Digestion - DTU Food

Jobbeskrivelse

Are you interested in chemical food safety, human health, and understanding how dietary exposures contribute to chronic disease? Do you want to work at the interface of analytical chemistry, in vitro digestion models, the gut microbiome, and epidemiology to address major public health challenges?We are offering a PhD position at the Technical University of Denmark focusing on the formation and health impacts of N-nitrosamines in food systems. The project is part of an ambitious international research initiative investigating both endogenous (formed in the body) and exogenous (present in foods) N-nitrosamines and their role in chronic disease development.

Recent research has demonstrated that N-nitrosamines can form during both food processing and digestion, and that their formation is strongly influenced by dietary composition and gastrointestinal conditions. In this PhD project, you will apply and extend the INFOGEST digestion model to systematically investigate the mechanisms governing endogenous N-nitrosamine formation across different dietary sources and physiological conditions. As a PhD student, you will work in an interdisciplinary environment combining food chemistry, gut microbiota, toxicology, and data science.

You will gain expertise in in vitro digestion modelling, advanced chemical analysis, and interpretation of complex exposure data, contributing to improved risk assessment, evidence-based dietary recommendations, and future regulatory strategies.Project FocusN-nitrosamines are potent carcinogens formed when amines react with nitrosating agents such as nitrate and nitrite. Human exposure occurs through two main pathways: endogenous formation in the gastrointestinal tract and exogenous intake from food and beverages.Despite decades of research, critical knowledge gaps remain regarding:The mechanisms governing endogenous N-nitrosamine formation The influence of dietary components and physiological conditions The long-term health effects of combined endogenous and exogenous exposure Your PhD project will focus on in vitro investigation of endogenous N-nitrosamine formation using the gold-standard INFOGEST digestion model, alongside chemical analysis and data interpretation. The work will contribute to a broader effort to link mechanistic insights with epidemiological evidence and dietary exposure assessment.Responsibilities and qualificationsYour main responsibilities will include designing and conducting in vitro digestion experiments using the INFOGEST model and faecal fermentations to simulate gastrointestinal conditions.

You will investigate how different dietary sources, such as vegetables, processed meats, and water, influence N-nitrosamine formation, while also studying the effects of promoters and inhibitors, including vitamins, flavonoids, heme, pH, and fat content, on nitrosation reactions. The role involves performing quantitative analyses of N-nitrosamines using advanced techniques such as LC-MS/MS, as well as processing and analysing complex datasets with statistical tools such as R. You will also contribute to the development of experimental datasets that support dietary exposure modelling and communicate findings through scientific publications, conferences, and stakeholder engagement.

In addition, the position includes completing PhD coursework and participating in teaching activities within food safety and chemistry.We are looking for a candidate with a strong interest in chemical food safety and human health, as well as experience with, or an interest in, analytical techniques such as LC-MS/MS or chromatography. You should have knowledge of, or a willingness to learn, in vitro digestion models and experimental design, along with skills in data analysis and statistics using tools such as R or similar software. Strong laboratory and problem-solving skills are essential, as is the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment.

Excellent written and spoken English communication skills are also required.You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree in analytical chemistry, food science, environmental science, toxicology, or close related field Approval and Enrolment The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education. We offerDTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice.

We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.Salary and appointment terms The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 3 years.You can read more about career paths at DTU here.Further information Further information may be obtained from Professor and Head of Research Group, Jens Jørgen Sloth at jjsl@food.dtu.dkYou can read more about DTU National Food Institute at www.food.dtu.dk/english. If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 4 September 2026 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file.

The file must include:A letter motivating the application (cover letter)Curriculum vitae Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scaleYou may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.DTU National Food InstituteDTU National Food Institute conducts research into and disseminates - through advice, innovation and teaching - sustainable and value-creating solutions in the area of food and health for the benefit of society. The vision is to make a difference by generating future prosperity through research into food and health.

The institute works to prevent disease and promote health, develop new and better food products for a growing population and create sustainable technological solutions, including biosolutions. The institute’s tasks are carried out in interdisciplinary collaboration within e.g. nutrition, chemistry, toxicology, microbiology, epidemiology, modelling, and technology. This is achieved through a strong academic environment of international top class with correspondingly skilled researchers and employees.

The Institute employs approximately 390 staff members.DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society.

DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.