PhD Scholarship in Microbiome Health at DTU Food
We are looking for an ambitious biologist or veterinarian with an interest in diet, intestinal microbiome and chronic kidney disease.
You will become part of our internationally renowned research group for Gut, Microbes, and Health at the National Food institute, Technical University of Denmark (DTU). We offer a dynamic and sociable research environment with exiting challenges and opportunities. The PhD project is part of the newly established research center Microbiome Health Initiative (MHI), funded by the Novo Nordic Foundation. The aim is to understand diet-induced regulation of gut microbial metabolites and its effect on chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular complications, using an in vivo model of chronic kidney disease.
Responsibilities and qualifications
As a PhD student, you will work closely with members of our research group, as well as with other research groups at DTU National Food Institute. You will also be involved in teaching Bachelor and Master students within our group and are expected to contribute to other departmental tasks.
We expect that you have a background in biology or veterinary medicine and have an interest in interactions between diet, intestinal microbiology and CMDs. You need to be ambitious, motivated, capable of working independently, and have good skills within written and spoken English.
In addition, you should have experience with experimental animal models and knowledge of interactions between diet, intestinal microbiota and health. Experience with microbiology and gut microbiome analysis is a plus, but not a requirement.
Required skills:
- Experience with experimental animal models
- Understanding of interactions between diet, intestinal microbiology and host health
- Knowledge of sequence-based analysis of bacterial communities
- Capable of working independently
- Motivated by both personal and team accomplishments.
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.
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 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 Senior Researcher and Head of Research Group, Martin Steen Mortensen on masmocampbellkellyjoseph62hooveremily@lutz-tran.dkfood.dtu.dkwarren.dk .
You can read more about DTU National Food Institute at DTU National Food Institute .
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 than20 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.
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.
The Microbiome Health Initiative (MHI)
The new Denmark-based research initiative MHI aims to establish a potential causal link between the gut microbiome – the combined genetic material of the communities of bacteria and other microbes in the human gut – and the development of cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The goal is to generate knowledge that can lead to new prevention or treatment options for people living with, or at risk of, CMD.
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.