PhD Scholarship in Microbiome Bioinformatics at DTU Food
Do you want to grow as a scientist and become a microbiome researcher at the best technical university in Europe? Do you want to hone your scientific skills and use programming to help address the antimicrobial resistance epidemic that kills over a million people annually? Then this Novo Nordisk Foundation-funded PhD scholarship, located in one of the World’s most livable cities, might be for you!
Responsibilities and qualifications
Working with colleagues in the MULTIBIOMINE project, you will develop computational methods that use novel strategies to uncover hidden features in large metagenomic datasets. These features include both the weapons and shields that bacteria use when fighting each other: antimicrobials and antimicrobial resistance. In the Research Group for Genomic Epidemiology, your primary tasks will be to:
- Develop and validate novel computational tools for analyzing metagenomic data
- Publish peer-reviewed research articles on bioinformatic tools and their application
- Present and discuss research findings to both peers and the public
- Assist in teaching courses and co-supervise MSc/BSc students with relevant projects
- Visit and collaborate with research partners in Denmark and abroad
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.
- Master’s degree in bioinformatics or a closely related field
- Documented metagenomics experience
- Experience with writing and running data analysis scripts in a command-line interface
- Solid programming experience in Python
- Experience with scripting and data analyses in R
- Strong English communication skills; both written and orally
- Experience with the Snakemake workflow management system
- An interest in working with antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
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 January 1st, 2026 (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 Patrick Munk at phyllis48pmunpamela62ustephenson@food.dtu.dkmaxwell.dkmoon.dk
You can read more about DTU National Food Institute at www.food.dtu.dk and the Genomic Epidemiology Research Group at: https://orbit.dtu.dk/en/organisations/research-group-for-genomic-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 than21 August 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 Genomic Epidemiology** conducts targeted research with the aim of predicting and preventing infectious diseases in humans and animals, as well as supporting global detection and control with a special emphasis on antimicrobial resistance. The primary task is to conduct targeted research with the aim of predicting and preventing infectious diseases in humans and supporting global detection and control –with a special emphasis on antimicrobial resistance and food borne infections.*
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.