BEMÆRK: Ansøgningsfristen er overskredet
Next-generation sequencing is increasingly being used to characterize microbial communities and identify genomic differences between samples obtained from different geographical and host reservoirs. A major challenge is, however, still to link information obtained from abundance profiles, with functions and the different selective pressures inflicted on a compositional and complex microbiome.
The Genomic Epidemiology Research Group at the National Food Institute has as the primary task to conduct targeted research with the aim of predicting and preventing infectious diseases in humans and animals, and supporting global detection, surveillance and control of diseases. The research group combines expertise in conventional and molecular microbiology with epidemiology and bioinformatics and has a specific aim to understand the global emergence and evolution of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Recent studies have suggested that emergence and abundance of AMR is not only a consequence of antibiotic usage, but also the several contributing factors such as: microbiome composition, bacterial-bacterial interactions, bacterial substrate consumption, as well as factors influencing this.
The Genomic Epidemiology Research Group is together with several partners worldwide, including low and middle-income countries working on a number of projects that aim to integrate data obtained from short-gun metagenomics with functional predictions and laboratory verifications, to better understand the links between the entire microbiome and evolution of AMR. To support this work the research group seeks a candidate for a vacant PhD positition on microbial bioinformatics and functional genomics.
Responsibilities and qualifications
Your main responsibility will be to analyze different metagenomics datasets, identify genes and bacterial strains of interest and further confirm and investigate them using laboratory experiments, including functional cloning.
In addition to this you will be expected to assist in training and bioinformatics analyses in relation to novel projects in Africa aiming at implementing nanopore sequencing in the diagnostic frontline. Thus, willingness to travel to East African countries will be a requirement.
Additional responsibilities:
- Combine datasets from short-gun sequencing, long read sequencing and potentially other technologies such as single cell sequencing and HiC.
- Verify in silico findings by confirmatory laboratory studies, such as additional long-read sequencing, bacterial culturing and cloning. Hence, laboratory experience in microbiology is preferred.
- Establish a link between the in silico findings and in vitro ones, in at set of bacterial strains and some of their gene contents.
- Assist in supporting the establishment of Oxford Nanopore sequencing in East Africa.
- Assist in teaching and training of students.
- Engage in the general work carried out by the research group, including discussions and planning of strategies and projects, drafting research grant proposals, etc.
Daily work will be in close collaboration with other researchers in the Genomic Epidemiology group as well as national and international partners. Collaboration includes active participation in national and international meetings and conferences, sharing of data and results, and contribution to joint publications.
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.
The ideal candidate:
- Has experience with bioinformatics analyses of metagenomics data.
- Has experience with both conventional and molecular microbiology.
- Preferably, has experience with antimicrobial resistance and is familiar with bioinformatics and genetic epidemiology.
- Can work independently and are able to plan and carry out complex tasks, while having the ability to engage constructively in a large, international and cross-disciplinary research group.
- Has good English communication skills, oral and written.
- Is ambitious and has a strong drive for obtaining high-quality results.
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 February 2024 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 Professor Frank Møller Aarestrup, fmaa@food.dtu.dk, +45 51157481.
You can read more about the National Food Institute at DTU National Food Institute and about the research group at Genomic Epidemiology (dtu.dk)
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 1 November 2023 (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, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
The DTU National Food Institute
DTU Food 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 institute’s vision is to make a difference by generating future prosperity through research into food and health. The institute prevents disease and promotes health, develops new and better food products for a growing population and creates sustainable technological solutions. The institute’s tasks are carried out in a unique interdisciplinary cooperation in e.g. nutrition, chemistry, toxicology, microbiology, epidemiology, modelling and technology.
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 Kongens Lyngby
-Ansøgning:
Ansøgningsfrist: 01-11-2023; - ansøgningsfristen er overskredet
Se mere her: https://job.jobnet.dk/CV/FindWork/Details/5924657
