As our PhD student, you will be part of the TrackNSolve project, which will develop a methodology to identify and mitigate microbial issues in the dairy industry. You will combine omics, phenotypic screening and microbial genetics to develop rapid molecular detection methods. As our PhD student, you will become a part of the DDRF project TrackNSolve, which seeks to develop a diagnostic methodology that enables the dairy industry to rapidly identify, detect and mitigate microbial issues. You will do so by combining metagenomics, phenotypic screening and microbial genetics to improve our understanding of the responsible problem organisms and how they can be detected by rapid molecular methods. The usefulness of this approach will be demonstrated by solving cases of microbial problems that are common in the dairy industry.The project will be conducted with industrial partners from Arla Foods amba and Arla Foods Ingredients. You will be based at DTU FOOD’s main campus in Lyngby, but extensive sampling and testing at industrial production sites in Aarhus and Nr. Vium, Jutland will be expected. Additionally, an external stay will be included in the project.As our PhD student, you will be supervised by Lisbeth Truelstrup Hansen (Professor), and Martin Laage Kragh (Researcher).Responsibilities and qualificationsThe PhD candidate will under supervision be responsible for the project-related experimental work both in the laboratory and in the field at our partners’ production and processing sites in Jutland. Also, you will be involved in the teaching and education of engineering students as well as other activities such as general maintenance of the laboratories and equipment.We are looking for a candidate with a background and competencies in most of the following areas and methodologies: Food microbiology (microbial ecology, challenge experiments, microbiology in food systems) Identification of microorganisms by MALDI-TOF biotyper and WGS Analysis of sequencing data (whole genome and/or metagenomes including long-read sequencing data) Molecular microbiology including qPCR and RT-qPCR Systematic approach to project work and planning Good collaborative and networking skills We expect that you are an efficient team worker, have good communication skills, and have a critical approach to the formulation and testing of hypotheses. Written and spoken English is a prerequisite as there will be teaching obligations.We are looking for a candidate with a strong background in food science, food or dairy engineering or related disciplines with a keen interest in solving and mitigating microbial issues. A candidate with experience from academia or industry will be preferred.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.AssessmentThe assessment of the applicants will be made by Lisbeth Truelstrup Hansen (Professor, DTU) and Martin Laage Kragh (Researcher, DTU)We offerDTU 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. The expected start date is October 1, 2023.You can read more about career paths at DTU here.Further informationFurther information may be obtained from Lisbeth Truelstrup Hansen (litr@food.dtu.dk) and Martin Laage Kragh (malak@food.dtu.dk).You can read more about DTU Food at www.fødevareinstituttet.dtu.dk/english.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 June 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 If relevant, you may add additional documents to the list above.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 National Food Institute (DTU Food) works within six technical focus areas: Biotechnology, nutrition, food quality, food safety, food technology and environment & human health. Activities cover a wide range of food products throughout the entire food chain from farm to table, comprising both research activities and research-based consulting and teaching. Read more at www.food.dtu.dk Technology for peopleDTU 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.Adresse:Henrik Dams Allé2800 Kgs. Lyngby