PhD scholarship in AI-Enhanced Modelling of Processing Effects on Ultra-Processed Foods DTU Food

Are you passionate about food processing modelling and improving health through smarter food systems Join a cutting-edge PhD project that blends food processing artificial intelligence (AI) modelling and experimental science to explore how food processing impacts the quality profile of ultra-processed foods.

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to join our interdisciplinary team at the Research Group for Food Production Engineering DTU National Food Institute.

As a PhD student you will develop AI-integrated models to simulate and predict how processing affects food quality. You will validate these models through pilot-scale trials and investigate the chemical biochemical and physical transformations that occur during processingdecoding the hidden signatures of processing intensity. Your work will address key challenges contributing to new insights and a framework for ultra-processed foods (UPFs) based on processing effects. The project offers close collaboration with other research groups at DTU National Food Institute aiming to build new knowledge and a framework for UPFs based on processing. The successful candidate will contribute to developing science-based frameworks and smarter more sustainable food design strategies that support healthier outcomes for both industry innovation and consumers.

Responsibilities
Your overall focus will be to develop models analyse and optimise the processing of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) using AI-integrated tools and experimental validation. You will create predictive models for key unit operations and assess their effect on representative food products and conduct pilot-scale trials to validate their outcomes. A central goal is to identify and model the processing impacts investigate how processing intensity affects UPF quality and generate insights to guide future food process design and classification.

Your primary responsibilities are:

• Develop AI and process models to simulate and predict how processing intensity affects food quality and nutritional outcomes with a focus on UPFs
• Conduct pilot-scale trials across key unit operations (e.g. extrusion thermal and including novel processing such as ohmic heating)
• Conduct quantitative analysis of nutrient degradation vitamin stability and biochemical transformations induced by food processing operations
• Develop and apply a systems-based approach/ modelling framework to link processing variables to digestion bioavailability and metabolic outcomes. Extract quantifiable transformation signatures to enable a process-driven approach for redefining UPFs.
• Disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications and scientific conferences
• Complete relevant PhD courses academic training at DTU
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary research groups at DTU and external stakeholders
• Teach and supervise BSc and MSc students in food technology and food engineering

Qualifications

• Masters degree in food technology food engineering chemical engineering bioprocess engineering or related field
• Strong foundation in food processing reaction kinetics of nutrients unit operations(e.g. extrusion Thermal Ultrasonication Ohmic heating)
• Experience with modelling (e.g. mechanistic empirical machine learning).
• Proven experience with nutrient measurement and analysis techniques (e.g. spectroscopy chromatography etc.)
• Strong experimental and problem-solving skills with a proactive approach and ability to work independently and collaboratively across disciplines
• Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken)
• Motivation to contribute to sustainable health-conscious food innovation and education

You must have a two-year masters degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year masters degree.

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 DTUs rules for the PhD education.

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Associate Professor Mohammad Amin Mohammadifar and Associate Professor Aberham Hailu Feyissa.

We offer
DTU 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. Starting date is1 March 2026 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Aberham Hailu Feyissa () and Associate Professor Mohammad Amin Mohammadifar ().

You can read more about DTU National Food Institute at If you are applying from abroad you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU Moving to you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar PhDrelocation 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 than6 November 2025 (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 scale
• Brief research statement or examples of previous research (optional)
• Contact details for 1-2 referees

You may apply prior to obtaining your masters 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 Institute
DTU 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 institutes 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 375 staff members.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UNs 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13500 students and 6000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive evolving and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.