PhD Scholarship: Campylobacter Biocide Tolerance Research at DTU Food
If you're passionate about research, captivated by microbiology, and seeking a place to pursue your dreams and ambitions, this opportunity could be perfect for you! You will join the Research Group for Food Microbiology and Hygiene at DTU National Food Institute and will contribute to enhancing public health by ensuring food safety. The overall aim of the research project is to close the gaps in our understanding of how Campylobacter may endure biocide treatments and tenaciously stay present in the poultry production environment.
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 National Food Institute’s excellent laboratory facilities.
Your overall focus will be to assess if the current biocide assessment methods based on a panel of selected test bacteria and culture methods underestimate the biocide tolerance of Campylobacter .
Your primary tasks will be to:
- Collect existing data regarding the biocide tolerance of Campylobacter through literature review and conduct interviews to assess the current biocide use in the Danish poultry industry.
- Develop, optimize, and validate culture-independent assays by planning and executing experimental work in the laboratory.
- Assess the biocide tolerance on a range of culturable and non-culturable bacteria including Campylobacter .
- 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 laboratory experience in e.g., minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays, molecular techniques (qPCR and dPCR), and fluorescence microscopy. You are expected to go to the field (poultry farms and slaughterhouses) to collect samples. 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, biology, veterinary science, food science, 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 January 2026 or earlier (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 (epowellnaotsrowecharlotte@gonzalez.dkbartlett.dkfood.dtu.dkbaker.dk ) and Professor Lisbeth Truelstrup Hansen +45 35886278 (ecarterlitrtyler72ramirezmark@miller.dkfischer.dkrojas.dkfood.dtu.dk ).
You can read more about The DTU National Food Institute at 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 14 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.
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.