PhD scholarship in molecular tools for assessment of protozoa in food - DTU Food

If you are passionate about microbiology and looking for a place to fulfill your dreams and ambitions, this might be for you. You will join the Research Group for Food Microbiology and Hygiene at DTU National Food Institute and will contribute to securing food safety in a global society undergoing climate change and a green transition. The overall aim of the research project is to develop advanced molecular and in vitro tools and generate data necessary for managing foodborne protozoans, closing gaps in our knowledge and capacity in assessment of protozoans in food.

Responsibilities and qualifications
As our PhD candidate, you will be working independently with the research project in close collaboration with our research group and with other academic, industrial, and governmental agency partners in Denmark as well as abroad. To support your success, you will have access to DTU Food’s excellent laboratory facilities.

Your overall focus will be to develop and improve detection, subtyping, and viability assessment methods and to assess the effect of various food processing measures on foodborne protozoans.

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Develop, optimize, and compare various analytical methods by planning and executing experimental work in the laboratory.
• Collect and analyse food (e.g. bivalve) samples and evaluate the diversity of protozoan species and subtypes.
• Assess the effect of food processing measures on protozoa by in vitro assays. 
• Dissemination of your research through publications and attendance at conferences, seminars, and professional meetings.
• Teaching and supervision activities within microbiology and BSc and MSc student projects.

We seek a PhD candidate who has a strong background in experimental microbiology and has experience with molecular techniques such as PCR, qPCR, and dPCR. You are highly motivated, curious, and have strong analytical and problem-solving skills. You are not afraid to ask questions and are willing to contribute to teamwork through open communication, exchanges of ideas and discussions to promote a work environment for individual and collective growth.  

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 microbiology, molecular biology, parasitology, or a 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 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 is 1 August (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.

Further information  
Further information may be obtained from Researcher Nao Takeuchi-Storm +45 93511681 ([email protected] ) and Professor Lisbeth Truelstrup Hansen +45 35886278 ([email protected] ). 

You can read more about the DTU National Food Institute at https://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 23 April 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

You 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.

The National Food Institute researches and communicates sustainable and value-adding solutions in the areas of food and health for the benefit of society and industry. The research at the National Food Institute aims to prevent disease and promote health, develop new and better food products for a growing population, create sustainable technological solutions. The National Food Institute’s tasks are carried out in a unique interdisciplinary cooperation between the disciplines of nutrition, chemistry, toxicology, microbiology, epidemiology and technology. 

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 UN’s 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 13,500 students and 6,000 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.