NMBU will contribute to securing the future of life through outstanding research, education, communication and innovation. We have the country's most satisfied university students, who receive research-based education in a unique student environment. Our graduates gain a high level of competence in interdisciplinary collaboration and are popular in the labor market.
NMBU has internationally leading research environments in several subjects. Together with our partners in society and business, we contribute to solving some of the biggest societal challenges of our time. We focus on innovation, communication and entrepreneurship because we believe these challenges are best solved with joint efforts. We believe that a good working environment is characterized by diversity.If necessary, workplace adaptations will be made for persons with disabilities. More information about NMBU is available at www.nmbu.no/en
About the position
The Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science (KBM) at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) has a vacant 3‑year PhD position in food microbiology and fermentation process science, linked to the research group SciFood: Food Quality and Sustainability.
Modern food processing urgently needs solutions that ensure food safety while reducing food waste. Bioprotective cultures are increasingly used in fermented foods to inhibit spoilage organisms and pathogens, yet their performance varies across substrates and processing conditions. To fully exploit their potential, we need deeper mechanistic knowledge of how processing modulates the functionality of these food‑grade bacteria.
The goal of this PhD project is to investigate how food processing modulates the bioprotective performance and functionality of different starter cultures used in food production. The work will combine advanced proteomics, molecular microbiology with food fermentation models and pilot‑scale validation at the FoodPilotPlant Norway (link).
The applicant is made aware that an application for a PhD position at NMBU is at the same time an application for admission to a PhD programme at the institution. The documentation that is necessary to ensure that the admission requirements are met must be uploaded as an attachment.
Main tasks
To characterize the bioprotective potential of selected bacterial strains in food-relevant substrates.
To investigate how processing conditions affect bioprotective mechanisms.
To identify molecular and regulatory drivers of antimicrobial activity, robustness, and functional stability.
To validate enhanced bioprotective performance in pilot-scale fermented food systems at FoodPilotPlant Norway.
To publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at international scientific conferences.
The successful candidate is expected to enroll in an approved PhD programme, and the work will be organized with the goal of completing a PhD degree during the period of employment.
Competence
To be eligible for the position, the candidate must meet the requirements for admission to one of the PhD programmes at NMBU.
Admission to a PhD programme requires that the applicant has a relevant academic background; a master's degree, a cand.med.vet. degree, or an equivalent qualification, in accordance with the descriptions in the national qualifications framework. The applicant must have a documented strong academic background relevant to the position and be able to demonstrate proficiency in English, both written and spoken. For more detailed information about the admission criteria, PhD Regulations and the relevant PhD programme description.
Required qualifications
Relevant academic education at a higher degree level from a university or college (a master's degree, a cand.med.vet. degree, or an equivalent qualification) within food science, biotechnology, microbiology, molecular biology, or closely related fields.
Good presentation skills, written and oral, in English
Coursework or practical experience in microbiology, molecular biology, or food fermentation.
Master’s grades: GPA B or better; thesis grade B or better.
Qualifications considered an advantage
Experience with fermentation, starter cultures, or food processing
Experience with proteomics, omics data, or bioinformatics.
Experience in food analysis or microbial physiology.
Is curious, motivated, and genuinely interested in scientific research.
Works independently and systematically, with strong problem‑solving abilities.
Has good social and collaborative skills and enjoys interdisciplinary teamwork.
Is accurate with good practical laboratory skills.
We expect that the candidate will aim to publish in high‑quality international journals.
Remuneration and further information
The position is placed in position code 1017 PhD. Fellow, (NOK 550 800). Seniority promotion in the position.
Admission to a PhD program is a prerequisite for appointment to the PhD scholarship position.
Employment is conducted according to national guidelines for University and Technical College PhD scholars, and in accordance with the Civil Servant Act, the Security Act, and the Export Control Act.
Interested in learning more about the position? We are happy to tell you more about life on campus. Contact associated professor Davide Porcellato, phone: +47 67232541, e-mail: davide.porcellato@nmbu.no
Send application electronically via the link "Apply for this job" at the top of this page. This will route you to the University's Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.
Application Deadline: 20/04/2026
Your CV must be entered in Jobbnorge's CV form and not just included as an attachment. This is in order to be able to comply with the regulations to the Public Administration Act §15.
In the application, the candidate must confirm that information and documentation (in the form of attachments) submitted via the job application can also be used by NMBU in a possible admission process.
Applicants invited for an interview are expected to present original diplomas and certificates.
The following documents must be attached to the application:
Motivation letter (please note that applications that lack a motivation letter clearly stating why the candidate is qualified and motivated for this particular project will be disregarded)
CV
Certified copies of relevant academic diplomas and certificates. (i.e. Diploma, transcript. Diploma supplement for both bachelor and master). Diplomas, transcripts and diploma supplements that are not in Norwegian or English must be uploaded in the original language. An English translation of these documents must also be attached.
Applicants from universities outside Norway are kindly requested to send a diploma supplement, or a similar document, which describes in detail the study program and grading system.
Additional relevant documentation of professional knowledge (for example, list of scientific works). If it is difficult to judge the applicant’s contribution for publications with multiple authors, a short description of the applicant’s contribution must be included.
Documents that cannot be sent electronically are sent in triplicate by ordinary mail marked 26/03444 to NMBU, Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, within 20.04.26.
About The Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science
The Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science (KBM) has about 180 employees, 80 PhD students and 500 BSc and MSc students. The faculty has 11 research groups within chemistry and biochemistry, microbiology and microbial gene technology, bioinformatics and data analysis, food science and nutrition. The Faculty has a state-of-the-art infrastructure for research and education: A biorefinery lab, proteomics platform, fermentation lab, a murine facility, platform for studies of microbial regulation of GHG release and a small-scale pilot plant for processing of food, incl. a microbrewery. Additionally, KBM has a strong competence in enzymology, fermentation and biorefining. KBM aims at a strong research position and collaborates in networks and research projects both nationally and internationally.
