Research Opportunity at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)
The Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), located in Ås, is a leading institution in sustainability, environmental sciences, biotechnology, and food systems. Known for its strong collaboration with industry and commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, NMBU plays a key role in advancing research that addresses global challenges such as food security, climate change, and resource efficiency. The Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science (KBM) is particularly recognized for its cutting-edge research infrastructure and close integration with the Norwegian food industry, making it an ideal environment for applied and impactful scientific work.
Available Position
Postdoctoral Fellow in Food Processing (4-year position)
Faculty: Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science (KBM)
Research Group: SciFood
This position focuses on sustainable food processing, addressing critical challenges such as reducing food waste, improving resource utilization, and developing environmentally friendly processing technologies. The research agenda is flexible and co-developed with both academic supervisors and industry partners, allowing the candidate to shape their own scientific direction.
Faculty: Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science (KBM)
Research Group: SciFood
This position focuses on sustainable food processing, addressing critical challenges such as reducing food waste, improving resource utilization, and developing environmentally friendly processing technologies. The research agenda is flexible and co-developed with both academic supervisors and industry partners, allowing the candidate to shape their own scientific direction.
The postdoctoral fellow will have access to world-class research infrastructure, including:
- FoodPilotPlant Norway – a national facility with advanced pilot plants (dairy, brewery, biorefinery, and food processing systems)
- MemLab (Membrane Laboratory) – for advanced filtration and separation technologies
- State-of-the-art analytical platforms at NMBU
Job Description
- Conduct independent and collaborative research in food processing
- Develop solutions for: (1) Resource efficiency, (2) Waste reduction, (3)Sustainable and safe food production
- Publish scientific articles in high-impact journals
- Teach courses (Food Processing II & III – ~25% workload)
- Co-supervise Master’s and PhD students
- Contribute to industry training and capacity-building programs
Ideal Candidate Profile
Required Qualifications:
- PhD in food science, biotechnology, or related field
- Strong background in food processing technologies
- Ability to teach at undergraduate and postgraduate levels
- Proficiency in English (and preferably Scandinavian languages)
- Separation and filtration technologies
- Bioprocessing and analytical techniques
- Data analysis and research innovation
- Industry collaboration experience
- Independent and structured research mindset
- Creativity in solving scientific challenges
- Strong academic writing and communication skills
- Motivation for teaching and mentoring
Postdoctoral Benefits
The position offers strong career development opportunities, particularly for candidates aiming to advance beyond their PhD into high-level academic or professional roles. It is specifically designed to prepare researchers for careers as associate professors, research leaders, or senior scientists. At the same time, it opens pathways into senior R&D roles within the food and biotechnology industries, as well as leadership positions in sustainability-driven innovation, where expertise in food systems and resource efficiency is increasingly in demand.
Another key advantage of this role is the direct collaboration with the Norwegian food industry. By working closely with industry partners, candidates gain hands-on experience in addressing real-world challenges, ensuring that their research has tangible impact. This collaboration also helps build a strong professional network and creates opportunities for commercialization and innovation, which are particularly valuable for those considering careers in applied research or industry.
The research conducted in this position is strongly aligned with the goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development framework. In particular, it contributes to responsible consumption and production, climate action, and food security. As a result, the work is not only academically meaningful but also globally relevant, allowing researchers to contribute to pressing societal challenges and long-term sustainability.
In addition, the position provides access to advanced research infrastructure, including facilities such as FoodPilotPlant Norway and MemLab. These resources enable pilot-scale experimentation, support the development of cutting-edge processing technologies, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. This environment is particularly beneficial for translating theoretical research into practical, scalable solutions.
The role also includes significant academic and teaching responsibilities, offering valuable experience in both instruction and supervision. Candidates will have the opportunity to build a strong teaching portfolio, mentor Master’s and PhD students, and develop leadership skills within research groups. This combination of research and teaching experience is essential for those pursuing long-term academic careers.
Finally, the position offers a competitive salary ranging from NOK 604,900 to 796,600, along with structured academic career progression. Combined with the high quality of life in Ås, near Oslo, this creates an attractive and supportive environment for both professional and personal development.
Another key advantage of this role is the direct collaboration with the Norwegian food industry. By working closely with industry partners, candidates gain hands-on experience in addressing real-world challenges, ensuring that their research has tangible impact. This collaboration also helps build a strong professional network and creates opportunities for commercialization and innovation, which are particularly valuable for those considering careers in applied research or industry.
The research conducted in this position is strongly aligned with the goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development framework. In particular, it contributes to responsible consumption and production, climate action, and food security. As a result, the work is not only academically meaningful but also globally relevant, allowing researchers to contribute to pressing societal challenges and long-term sustainability.
In addition, the position provides access to advanced research infrastructure, including facilities such as FoodPilotPlant Norway and MemLab. These resources enable pilot-scale experimentation, support the development of cutting-edge processing technologies, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. This environment is particularly beneficial for translating theoretical research into practical, scalable solutions.
The role also includes significant academic and teaching responsibilities, offering valuable experience in both instruction and supervision. Candidates will have the opportunity to build a strong teaching portfolio, mentor Master’s and PhD students, and develop leadership skills within research groups. This combination of research and teaching experience is essential for those pursuing long-term academic careers.
Finally, the position offers a competitive salary ranging from NOK 604,900 to 796,600, along with structured academic career progression. Combined with the high quality of life in Ås, near Oslo, this creates an attractive and supportive environment for both professional and personal development.
Application Details
Deadline: April 7, 2026
- Application must include:
- Motivation letter
- Research reflection (1–2 pages)
- CV
- Academic certificates
- Up to 10 publications
- Two references