A prestigious fully funded PhD opportunity is now open under the MICROSUNSET Doctoral Network for students passionate about human nutrition, sustainable diets, and international research. This fellowship is hosted at the University of Copenhagen and funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions under Horizon Europe.
📍 Program Overview
- Host University: University of Copenhagen
- Location: Denmark
- Program: Marie Curie PhD Fellowship (MICROSUNSET)
- Duration: 3 Years (Full-Time)
- Start Date: 1 September 2026
- Deadline: 12 April 2026
💡 About MICROSUNSET Doctoral Network
MICROSUNSET is an international doctoral training network bringing together 12 PhD researchers across Europe. It focuses on understanding micronutrient challenges in modern diets, especially as populations shift toward plant-based eating patterns.
🔬 Key Research Areas
- Micronutrient bioavailability & bio-accessibility
- Iron and zinc nutrition
- Plant-based diet optimization
- Digestion and absorption models
- Dietary modelling
- Consumer behavior and food acceptance
🏫 Participating Universities
You will collaborate with top European institutions, including:
- Technical University of Denmark
- University of Copenhagen
- Technical University of Munich
- Wageningen University
- University College Cork
- Newcastle University
- University of Helsinki
This network ensures international exposure, interdisciplinary training, and mobility opportunities.
🧪 PhD Project Focus (DC11)
Iron & Zinc in Plant-Based vs Meat-Based Diets
This research explores how replacing meat with plant-based alternatives affects micronutrient intake and health outcomes.
🎯 Main Objectives
- Evaluate iron and zinc intake, digestibility, and status
- Model dietary shifts toward plant-based eating
- Analyze consumer attitudes and cultural acceptance
🔬 Research Activities
During your PhD, you will:
- Conduct dietary assessments in human participants
- Measure biomarkers of micronutrient status
- Study nutrient digestibility and bioavailability
- Develop multinational surveys across Europe
- Collaborate with international PhD researchers
- Participate in research stays at partner institutions
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🏢 Research Environment
The position is based at the Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports (NEXS) at the University of Copenhagen.
You will work under the supervision of Susanne Bügel, a leading expert in micronutrient research.
🌱 Research Strengths
- Sustainable diets and public health
- Nutrient optimization
- Micronutrient bioavailability
- Global nutrition policy
🌍 Why This PhD Matters
With the global shift toward plant-based diets, concerns about nutrient deficiencies—especially iron and zinc—are increasing.
This research will contribute to:
- Safer and more balanced plant-based diets
- Evidence-based nutrition guidelines
- Sustainable food system development
- Public health improvements across Europe
🎓 Eligibility Criteria (MSCA Rules)
To apply, you must:
- Hold a 2-year Master’s degree (120 ECTS) in Nutrition or related field
- Not already have a PhD
- Meet the MSCA Mobility Rule:
- Must NOT have lived/worked in Denmark for more than 12 months in the last 3 years
✅ Required Skills
Ideal candidates should have:
- Strong background in human nutrition
- Excellent English communication skills
- Research and analytical abilities
- Teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration skills
- Experience in publications (preferred)
💰 Salary & Benefits
- Salary: ~31,242 DKK/month (~4,193 EUR)
- Additional pension benefits
- Fully funded PhD under EU Horizon Europe
- International training and networking
- Research mobility across Europe
🚀 Career Opportunities
After completing this PhD, you can pursue careers in:
- Academic research in nutrition science
- Food and biotech industries
- Public health organizations
- EU policy advisory roles
- Sustainable food innovation startups
Before Application Process Visit: Guide for CV Writing in UK Style 2026: Write now – Fully Funded 2026
📄 Application Process
Prepare and submit:
- Motivation letter (1 page)
- Academic CV
- Master’s transcripts & diploma
- Grading scale (if international)
- Publications (if any)
- References
Apply Now: PhD Positions in AI, Data Science, and Biomedical – Fully Funded 2026
📩 Contact: Susanne Gjedsted Bügel
Email: tcd652@ku.dk
🗓 Deadline: 12 April 2026 (23:59 CET)
📅 Interviews: Expected May 2026
Helen Oesha holds a Doctorate in Entrepreneurship and is a dedicated advocate for youth empowerment through education. Since 2021, she has been guiding students toward scholarships and international opportunities, making higher education more accessible worldwide. Oesha platform is widely regarded as a leading source for discovering global opportunities. Having personally experienced the challenges and success of funded doctoral studies, she is passionate about bridging the gap between ambition and access, helping students realize their dreams and reach their highest potential.