About the opportunity
This 3-year PhD project is based at the Research group for Gut, Microbes, and Health at the DTU National Food Institute. The objective is to characterize how dietary emulsifiers are digested, their impact on the gut microbiome, and their direct or indirect interactions with the intestinal surface in vivo. The project supports the institute’s advisory responsibilities to the Danish Veterinary, Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Agency. The successful candidate will work in a dynamic, international research environment, contributing to scientific publications and advisory reports. The role involves independent research, supervision of students, and departmental activities. The position is full-time and subject to academic approval and enrollment in a DTU PhD program.
Salary and benefits
- Full-time employment for 3 years
- Salary and appointment terms based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations
- Dynamic and collaborative international research environment
- Access to career development and support for international researchers, including relocation seminars
Who can apply?
- Two-year master's degree (120 ECTS) or equivalent academic level
- Background in microbiology with a strong interest in the gut microbiome and nutrition
- Experience with aerobic and anaerobic microbial cultivation and bacterial physiology
- High level of proficiency in written and spoken Danish and English
- Ability to work independently and contribute to team accomplishments
- Experience with omics technologies (e.g., 16S sequencing, metagenomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics) is an advantage
Required documents
- Cover letter (motivating the application)
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official grading scale description
- List of publications
When to apply
- Application deadline: 27 September 2026 (23:59 Danish time)
- Expected start date: 1 January 2027 (or by mutual agreement)
How to apply
- Prepare all materials in English as one single PDF file
- Access the official application portal via the 'Apply now' link on the job page
- Fill out the online application form and upload the combined PDF file
Additional information
- Candidates may apply before obtaining their master's degree but cannot begin the position until it is received.
- Open-source background checks may be conducted due to research in critical technology subject to security and export control rules.
- Further information can be obtained from Senior Researcher Martin Steen Mortensen (masmo@food.dtu.dk).
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Microbiologist with a strong interest in nutrition and gut health
- Experience with bacterial physiology and microbial cultivation techniques
- Proficiency in both English and Danish
What should you think carefully about?
- Requires full-time on-site work at the DTU National Food Institute
- The role includes advisory responsibilities for government agencies, requiring high-level communication skills
- Candidates must hold a relevant master's degree before the start date
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This PhD project offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between academic research and public advisory work. It is ideal for a candidate looking to develop expertise in the interactions between dietary additives and the gut microbiome while contributing to public health policy.
Our take
Microbiologists who are fluent in Danish and English and interested in the intersection of food safety and gut health should apply. Those who lack the required language proficiency or are unable to relocate to Denmark will not be a good fit.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
