Research Assistant for Product Development (Full-time, 2 Years) in Technical University of Denmark (DTU), National Food Institute – Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

Summary

The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) National Food Institute seeks a full‑time Research Assistant for a two‑year contract to support the NAVAC project, an international development initiative on new aquatic value chains in partnership with FAO and DTU Skylab. The role involves product‑development research, organizing workshops, surveys, training, and field missions in Chad, Mauritania and South Sudan, with 10‑20% travel. Candidates must hold a master’s degree in a relevant food‑science or engineering field, possess practical product‑development experience, and be proficient in English plus Arabic or French. The position offers employment under a collective agreement with relocation support and a workplace at DTU Lyngby Campus.

Key Facts

Department	National Food Institute
Position Type	Research Assistant
Discipline	Food science
Research Area	Aquatic value chain product development
Degree Required	Master's degree in engineering or equivalent within food science, food technology, food engineering
Funding	Employment with allowance (collective agreement)
Contract Duration	2 years
Language	English (required), Arabic or French (advantage)
Required Documents	Cover letter, CV, Academic diplomas (MSc)
Employer Address	Henrik Dams Allé, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
Employer Contact	Professor Charlotte Jacobsen, [email protected], tel. +45 2327 9075

About the Project

The NAVAC (New Aquatic Value Chains) project, coordinated by DTU National Food Institute with FAO and DTU Skylab, aims to develop sustainable, value‑creating food and health solutions by establishing new aquatic product‑development pathways in Chad, Mauritania, and South Sudan. The research assistant will support structured product‑development research, conduct practical field trials, and document findings, while organizing stakeholder workshops, surveys, and training activities to facilitate implementation of the value chains.

Key Responsibilities

• Support structured product‑development research, practical field trials and documentation
• Plan and facilitate workshops, surveys, training activities and stakeholder meetings
• Support practical planning and delivery of field missions and project activities
• Prepare project materials, follow‑up notes, presentations and technical reporting

Required Skills

• Practical experience with product development, food processing, gastronomy or applied food experimental work
• Experience organizing workshops, training sessions, surveys or participatory activities
• Ability to plan and coordinate tasks, stakeholders and deadlines
• International professional experience in sustainable development, humanitarian or educational projects
• Clear communication in written and spoken English; Arabic or French are an advantage
• Capacity to work independently and collaboratively across disciplines and cultures
• Willingness to travel internationally as required

Who Should Apply

Applicants with a master’s degree in engineering, food science, food technology, food engineering, culinary arts, fisheries, or aquatic sciences, who have hands‑on product‑development experience, workshop or survey facilitation skills, and prior international professional experience in sustainable development or humanitarian projects. Strong written and spoken English is required; Arabic or French are advantageous. Candidates must be able to work independently and collaboratively and be willing to travel internationally.

Benefits

• Rewarding and challenging job in an international environment
• Academic excellence, collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility
• Employment based on a collective agreement with an allowance
• Information and support for relocating to Denmark
• Workplace at DTU Lyngby Campus

About the Employer

DTU National Food Institute, part of the Technical University of Denmark, conducts interdisciplinary research in nutrition, chemistry, toxicology, microbiology, epidemiology, modelling and technology to develop sustainable food and health solutions. The institute employs around 390 staff and collaborates internationally, including with the FAO and DTU Skylab on the NAVAC project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the contract?

The position is a full‑time employment period of 2 years.

Which languages are required?

English is required; Arabic or French are advantageous.

How do I apply?

Submit a single PDF containing a cover letter, CV and MSc diploma via the Apply now link by 11 November 2026.