PhD Researcher - Salmonella Epidemiology at DTU Food
Would you like to contribute to finding ways to reduce the most important food-borne diseases? The PhD candidate will work on a One Health Research project regarding S. Enteriditidis genomic epidemiology as well as on other tasks related to the National and European reporting of zoonotic and antimicrobial resistant agents together with a team of colleagues.
Responsibilities and qualifications
We are seeking a PhD candidate who has a food science or veterinary education and enjoy laboratory work and would like to develop in bioinformatics. If you already have a background in bioinformatics, it would be an advantage. Your research focus will be to investigate the historical Salmonella Enteriditidis isolates from the food sector in Denmark, and from the other European countries included in the project. You will also take part in the National and European reporting of zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance and in relevant teaching at DTU National Food Institute.
You will plan the studies with colleagues and culture and sequence samples in the laboratory at DTU National Food Institute. Moreover, you will conduct the bioinformatics analysis and disseminate the results to various stakeholders. You should enjoy a balance of practical work in the laboratory work, data analysis and writing up the results. You are highly motivated, solution-oriented, and unafraid to ask questions. Previous work experience with National food surveillance data is an advantage. It is a requirement to speak and write English and Danish fluently – the latter because of the advisory work included in this position.
As a PhD student you will engage in:
- Planning and implementing the studies on Salmonella Enteriditidis.
- Conductance of laboratory work on the Salmonella Enteriditidis project and support with similar work on other zoonosis projects.
- Dissemination of your research through publications in national and international scientific journals and attendance at conferences in co-operation with your colleagues in the group and in the other project institutions.
- Supervision activities within microbiology and BSc and MSc student projects and taking part of the research group activities and tasks.
- Taking part in the reporting of National and European surveillance data on Zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance.
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 within the relevant field such as a microbiology, epidemiology, biotechnology, biology, food engineering, food science, veterinarian science or similar.
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
We can offer an inspiring workplace in the Research Group for Foodborne Pathogens and Epidemiology, and an active and welcoming student environment at DTU National Food Institute.
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 January 2026 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.
The position is located at DTU National Food Institute, Henrik Dams Allé, Building 204, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby. The primary workplace will be at DTU in Lyngby.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here .
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Senior Researcher Marianne Sandberg, Research for Foodborne Pathogens and Epidemiology, dblackuhortonmarsanqlucero@food.dtu.dkknox.dkmartin-thompson.dk, +45 40314954.
You can read more about DTU National Food Institute at www.food.dtu.dk/english/
You can read more about the Research Group for Foodborne Pathogens and Epidemiology at https://www.food.dtu.dk/english/research/foodborne-pathogens-and-epidemiology .
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 than22 September 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 Research Group for Foodborne Pathogens and Epidemiology** forms part of the national monitoring, control, and prevention of foodborne infections and antimicrobial resistance. The group analyses and interprets data, and conducts risk assessments aimed at mapping sources and routes of infection, quantifying the disease burden, and evaluating interventions.*
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 institute’s 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 350 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 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.