PhD Scholarship in Antifungal Resistance at the Food–Environment Interface – DTU Food in Technical University of Denmark

Summary

The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is inviting applications for a 3-year PhD scholarship focused on antifungal resistance at the food–environment interface, based at the DTU National Food Institute in Kgs. Lyngby. The position combines wet-lab microbiology (fungal isolation and susceptibility testing) with computational bioinformatics, whole-genome sequencing analysis, and quantitative risk assessment modeling to understand the spread and public health impact of resistant fungi. Candidates must hold or be about to obtain a two-year master's degree in microbiology, bioinformatics, biotechnology, or a related field, with skills in sequence analysis, Linux command line, scripting (Python or R), and laboratory microbiology. The position is full-time starting January 1, 2027. Applications must be submitted online by October 21, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	DTU National Food Institute
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Microbiology / Bioinformatics / Biotechnology
Research Area	Antifungal Resistance at the Food–Environment Interface
Degree Required	Two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or equivalent in microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, computational biology, or a related field
Experience	Experience with bioinformatics, sequence analysis, command-line computing (e.g. Linux), scripting/statistical programming (e.g. Python or R), and hands-on microbiological laboratory work.
Salary	Based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations
Funding	PhD Scholarship
Contract Duration	3 years
Language	English
Deadline	2026-10-21
Required Documents	Cover letter, Curriculum vitae, Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) with official description of grading scale, List of publications (if applicable)
Employer Address	Henrik Dams Allé, Kgs. Lyngby, 2800, Denmark
Employer Contact	Joana Mourão ([email protected]), Sara Monteiro Pires ([email protected]), René S. Hendriksen ([email protected])

About the Project

The project investigates antifungal resistance across the food–environment interface within a One Health surveillance framework. The successful candidate will isolate and characterize priority fungal pathogens (such as Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida spp.), perform whole-genome sequencing, analyze genomic epidemiology, apply machine learning to predict antifungal resistance from genomic data, and develop probabilistic exposure and risk-assessment models to evaluate public-health impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect samples and isolate and characterize fungi from food and food-production environments, including antifungal susceptibility testing
• Generate and analyze whole-genome sequencing data to investigate antifungal resistance and genomic epidemiology
• Analyze complex microbial and metagenomic datasets
• Apply statistical and machine-learning approaches to investigate genotype–phenotype relationships
• Contribute to probabilistic exposure and risk-assessment models linking surveillance data to public-health impact
• Communicate research through publications and conferences, contribute to scientific advice, teaching, and co-supervision of BSc and MSc students

Required Skills

• Master's degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, computational biology, or a related field
• Experience with bioinformatics, biological sequence data analysis, and interpretation
• Experience with command-line computing (e.g. Linux environment)
• Scripting or statistical programming experience in Python or R
• Hands-on experience with microbiological laboratory work (microbial cultivation, isolation, or phenotypic characterisation)
• Understanding of experimental design and basic statistical data analysis
• Good written and spoken English

Who Should Apply

Motivated candidates holding or completing a two-year Master's degree (120 ECTS) in microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, computational biology, or related fields who have experience in both laboratory microbiology and computational sequence analysis.

Benefits

• Employment based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations
• Rewarding and challenging job in an international environment
• Academic freedom tempered by responsibility

About the Employer

The DTU National Food Institute carries out research, advice, innovation, and teaching regarding sustainable solutions in food and health, employing approximately 390 staff members. DTU is a leading technical university in Europe with 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees, offering an international, inclusive, and informal work culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is October 21, 2026, at 23:59 Danish time.

Can I apply before completing my master's degree?

Yes, you may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree, but you cannot begin the position before receiving it.

What degree is required for this position?

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or equivalent in microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, computational biology, or a related field.

What is the duration of the contract?

The employment contract duration is 3 years.

Who can I contact for more information about the position?

You can contact main supervisor Joana Mourão ([email protected]), or co-supervisors Sara Monteiro Pires ([email protected]) and René S. Hendriksen ([email protected]).