At the DTU Food research group in Genetic Epidemiology, we are looking for a PhD student with an interest in quantitative epidemiology, bioinformatics and antimicrobial resistance.
The PhD project is part of our ongoing activities in how antimicrobial use in conventional animal production select for antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in the microbiome of animals, and how these ARGs subsequent impose a risk for humans (One Health). The overall aim is to establish the scientific basis for predicting how interventions in antimicrobial usage in animal production influence the occurrence of ARGs that can impose human risk.
Responsibilities and qualifications
The specific objective of the PhD project is to study the quantitative effect of antimicrobial usage in animal production on the occurrence of ARGs in the microbiome related to animals and food products. The scientific work will focus on how to integrate results from DNA metagenome sequencing and bioinformatics for measuring occurrence of ARGs with data about farms and antimicrobial usage in a quantitative epidemiology approach and in a risk setting. The study will be utilizing sequencing data generated from samples collected in the Danish animal production both in routine surveillance programs and previous scientific studies. In addition, the study will contribute to the evaluation of metagenomics for future surveillance of AMR in livestock in Denmark as part of the Danmap program (www.danmap.org).
In addition to scientific publication, the obtained quantitative epidemiological models should be integrated into a mathematical tool that can predict changes in occurrence of ARGs, given changes in AMU.
Responsibilities
- Apply bioinformatic tools to DNA sequencing data resulting in quantitative measures of ARGs in microbiomes.
- Manage data from many different sources into data frames that can be analyzed with biostatistical applications in the statistical software R/Python.
- Performing data analysis in accordance with time-structures and hierarchical structures of the data.
- Develop forecast models of AMR given the antimicrobial usage in animal production.
- Contributing to the teaching activities in the group, including supervision of students.
- Contribute to the dissemination of research findings through publications, presentations at national and international conferences and policy briefs.
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.
Preference will be given to candidates with:
- Experience with management and manipulation of large data frames containing biological information.
- Experience in working simultaneously with more than one scientific field – in this case microbiome and quantitative epidemiology.
- Experience in analyzing biological data in the context of surveillance in a one health perspective.
- Ideally experience with analyzing antimicrobial use data from Danish livestock.
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.
We aim for a starting date in August 2025 or according to mutual agreement. The PhD is a full-time position.
Preferred starting date for the PhD student will be August 2025 or according to mutual agreement.
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: Håkan Vigre, Associated Professor, hvig@food.dtu.dk
You can read more about the Research Group forGenomic Epidemiology 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 than 26 March 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
- Relevant scientific production that is not available public, e.g. master thesis, drafted or submitted scientific manuscripts
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 supporting global detection and control – with a special emphasis on antimicrobial resistance and food borne infections.
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.
INFORMATIONER OM STILLINGEN:
- Arbejdspladsen ligger i:
Lyngby-Taarbæk Kommune
-Virksomheden tilbyder:
-Arbejdsgiver:
Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, Anker Engelunds Vej, 2800 Lyngby-Taarbæk
-Ansøgning:
Ansøgningsfrist: 26-03-2025;
Se mere her: https://job.jobnet.dk/CV/FindWork/Details/5fe17e9e-c62b-4cf0-9c65-eb2cba142bad
